Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has assured that the government will provide the necessary resources to complete the runway extension at Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi by the end of this year.
The upgraded runway is expected to accommodate international flights, allowing Kumasi to emerge as a key destination for global air travel.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting hosted by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr. Nikpe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project, calling it a strategic priority. He explained that the current 1,881-meter runway is too short for some medium-sized aircraft, but the extension to 2,320 meters will make it suitable for longer-haul flights.
“With the expanded runway, medium-body aircraft and long-distance flights will be able to operate directly from Kumasi. We are confident that by year’s end, the project will be completed and operational,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General of the GCAA, also addressed attendees, highlighting ongoing improvements at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to support Ghana’s broader aviation ambitions.
He announced that the construction of a new air traffic control tower is progressing well and will significantly enhance radar coverage, communication, and air traffic safety. “The new tower is over 80% complete, with infrastructure works already finished. We expect full completion by the end of next year,” he said.
Rev. Arthur also emphasized the rollout of advanced digital systems to improve flight coordination and national security. These include the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) system.
“These tools will allow us to collect and analyze passenger data ahead of arrival, helping security agencies like the Ghana Immigration Service identify individuals before they even land,” he said, noting that this aligns Ghana with international security standards and efforts to combat transnational crime.
