President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government is preparing to begin the procurement process for the construction of a new airport in Wa as part of efforts to improve connectivity and accelerate the development of the Upper West Region.

The President said the project forms part of a broader strategy to enhance transport infrastructure and position the region as a major commercial and logistics gateway between Ghana and the Sahel.

Speaking when the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 8, President Mahama said the region has enormous potential to drive cross-border trade and economic cooperation.

"As one of our principal gateways to the Sahel, Upper West occupies a vital position in advancing cross-border trade and economic diplomacy," he said.

According to the President, the government intends to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to transform the region into a centre for trade and investment.

"Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, the government intends to transform the region into a thriving commercial and logistics hub," he stated.

President Mahama said the transformation agenda would require investments in key infrastructure and the removal of barriers that limit trade and business growth.

"We are improving broader infrastructure, simplifying administrative procedures and investing in warehousing and transport services to connect Ghanaian products to regional and continental markets," he said.

He explained that the government’s infrastructure programme is focused on improving the movement of people, goods and services through investments in roads, railways and aviation.

"We are improving transport and logistics all over the country, including the railways, the roads, but also air travel," the President noted.

Providing an update on the proposed Wa Airport project, President Mahama revealed that the government is close to seeking approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to begin the procurement process.

"We currently are about to go to the Public Procurement Authority for authorisation to begin procurement for the new airport in Wa," he added.

The proposed airport is expected to enhance accessibility to the Upper West Region, support trade activities, attract investment and complement the government’s plan to develop the region into a strategic economic hub.