By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Kulbia (U/E), Aug. 13, 2026 (GNA) – President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region that construction of the long-awaited Upper East Regional Airport at Sumbrungu-Kulbia will commence before the end of 2026.
He said the procurement process for the project was progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the necessary approvals would be secured to enable the commencement of construction works.
President Mahama gave the assurance when he inspected the proposed airport site at Sumbrungu-Kulbia as part of his working visit to the region.
He said although the project had been given a 24-month completion period, contractors had indicated that they could complete it in a shorter period.
“We hope that by the end of the year we will come back here and we will cut the sod for the airport to start. Even though they have given 24 months, the contractors assure us that they can do it in a shorter time than that,” he said.
The President noted that the airport would serve as an important catalyst for economic growth in the region by improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services between the Upper East Region and the rest of the country.
He observed that residents currently travel about 160 kilometres to Tamale to access air transport services to Accra, describing the situation as inconvenient and time-consuming.
“You will be able to fly from here directly to Accra without driving to Tamale. And so this is going to be an important enabler of economic activity,” President Mahama said.
He added that the airport would support businesses operating in the region, including mining companies, by providing a more efficient means of transporting gold bullion and other high-value goods to Accra.
President Mahama said the project would go beyond the construction of an airport, with plans to develop an airport city around the facility to create additional economic opportunities and enhance investment prospects.
“We want to develop a city around the airport so that it can have added value,” he said.
The President further urged residents of the Upper East Region to patronise the airport when completed to ensure increased passenger traffic and create opportunities for future expansion.
He said the airport had been designed as a scalable facility with an initial capacity of 100,000 passengers annually, which could be expanded as demand increased.
Mr James Agalga, Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), said the airport would feature a 2.2-kilometre runway capable of accommodating all aircraft currently operating on domestic routes in Ghana.
He said both jet and propeller-engine aircraft would be able to operate from the facility.
Mr Agalga said the airport would also have an apron capable of accommodating two aircraft simultaneously, a link taxiway, and airfield lighting to support night operations.
He added that the terminal building would be integrated with an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, while a Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) facility would also be constructed.
According to him, the project includes the construction of an approximately five-kilometre asphalt access road to serve the airport
“We are hoping that by October, we should receive all the necessary approvals to allow for you to come back and cut the sod for work to commence in earnest,” he said.
He noted that the Upper East Regional Airport was one of three airport projects being pursued by the government, alongside proposed airport developments in Wa and Sunyani.
Naba Tandegrewongrekugre Clifford Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, speaking on behalf of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, expressed appreciation to President Mahama for his commitment to constructing the airport.
He said the chiefs and people of the region were eager to see the project take off and expressed confidence that the President would fulfil his promise.
“We are very grateful. We know, Mr President, you do as you say. And this project, we expect that, as promised by our son here, it will not delay so that very soon we can fly from Upper East Region to Accra,” he said.
He also thanked the President for the various development projects being undertaken in the region.
A total of 2,888.72 hectares of land has been released free of charge to the Government by the chiefs and people of Sumbrungu for the airport project since the 1970s.
Currently, a 2.2-kilometre stretch has been cleared for use as the airport runway.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]