The flag bearer of the PPP, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has promised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the people of Ashanti Region that when voted into power, he will ensure that the Kumasi Airport is upgraded to an International state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Nduom made this promise when, he together with some key members of his party, paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi Wednesday. The PPP presidential hopeful bemoaned the state of the Kumasi airport, stressing that the Kumasi Airport does not befit the people of Asanteman. Dr. Nduom said governments should have done better by ensuring that the Kumasi Airport is given an international status. “…That notwithstanding I want to make this pledge that a PPP administration led by me [Papa Kwesi Nduom] will make sure that the current Kumasi Airport is upgraded to international standards,” Dr. Nduom pledged. The flag bearer said the benefits of having an international airport in Kumasi are ‘enormous’ and will inure to the benefits of the people of Asanteman. According to Dr. Nduom such a facility is important in the light of the fact Kumasi is the second of Ghana, adding that building an international airport in Kumasi will create lots of jobs for the people of Ashanti Region. While saying that the upgrading of the Kumasi Airport will bring about jobs, Dr. Nduom pointed out that it was important to put in place such a facility due to the fact that a lot of productive businesses are done in Ashanti Region. “Many of the residents in Ashanti Region travel outside, therefore it is high time they had their own direct flight,” noted the PPP flag bearer. He said the building of an international airport in Kumasi will also attract a lot of tourists which will “bring a lot of revenue for the development of our country.” Dr. Nduom also said that a PPP administration will build a gold refinery in the region which purpose will be to refine the gold mined in the region. He went on to add that the jute factory will be resuscitated to help encourage cocoa farmers in the region to increase their productivity.