The management of Ghana Airports Company Limited has announced that the new terminal building at Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi will be functional from Monday, July 1, 2024.

In preparation for the transition from the old terminal to the state-of-the-art facility, the Ghana Airports Company Limited in collaboration with stakeholders, says there would be a comprehensive series of simulations.

In a statement dated Monday, June 24, the management stated that the series of simulations will include subsystem simulations followed by two full-scale integrated simulations of all the systems and processes starting from June 25 to June 30.

“The objective is to ensure that all systems, equipment, and staff are fully prepared to operate efficiently and effectively, and also to manage risks associated with the transfer of operations from the old terminal to the new terminal building,” a portion of the statement read.

As part of the operationalisation process, three live flights are scheduled to depart from the new Terminal building between June 28 and June 30, 2024.

To ensure a smooth process, passengers travelling on these dates with Africa World Airlines and Passion Air are to be informed to take note of this arrangement.

The new terminal building has been designed to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

“The features of the new Terminal building include the capacity to handle 800,000 passengers per annum, process 200 passengers per hour, 2 passenger boarding bridges, a Presidential lounge and three(3) other lounges; four (4) Boarding Gates; four (4) Self-Service Check-in Kiosks; nine (9) Check-in Desks; sixteen (16) Immigration booths, Airline and Staff offices, large Commercial Retail area.”

“Currency Declaration office, Forex Bureau, visa-on-arrival facility, automated car park, Multipurpose Faith room, a dedicated area for unaccompanied minor, modern Baggage Handling Systems and a Medical Facility among others.”

Ghana Airports Company Limited reaffirmed its commitment to providing “World-Class Airport Facilities and Services”.

It said the aim is to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.

On Friday, May 10, 2024, President Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, officially commissioned Prempeh I International Airport, formerly known as the Kumasi International Airport.

Addressing the occasion, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the timing of the commissioning, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's enstoolment, is not a mere coincidence but a fitting homage to the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of the Ashanti kingdom.

President Akufo-Addo said that renaming the Kumasi International Airport to honour Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I and commissioning it alongside the Asantehene’s anniversary milestone, reflects the profound respect and reverence his government accords to traditional institutions.