President John Mahama and the Asantehene have jointly commissioned the first phase of the Kumasi Airport Development project.

The first phase which comprises rehabilitation of the defective runway and installation of airfield lights on the runway is meant to facilitate night operations at the airport.

President John Mahama said this is part of his government's commitment to improving the aviation industry in the country.

The airport has been denied the requisite facilities for many years with players, especially operators of the local airlines, lamenting the absence of airfield lights which has hampered operations at night.

The President is hopeful the rehabilitation has come at an opportune time.

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was also grateful that the rehabilitation project started a few months ago had been completed.

Meanwhile, the President has assured players in the aviation industry that Government will address the challenges impeding business in the country.

The industry players have for some time now decried high costs of operation as a result of which, some of them halted operations in the country.

Having successfully commissioned the Kumasi Aeronautical Ground lighting project, the President indicated that among others, an increase in air passenger figures from 70,000 in 2008 to a current 2.5 Million is evidence of bright prospects for Ghana's aviation industry.

Forecasting the start of the sub-regional flights from Kumasi, he highlighted job creation, reduced airfares and increased revenue for the Ghana Airport Authority among key national benefits that the rehabilitation of Kumasi and other airports across the country would bring.