Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has disclosed that the expansion of the Tamale International Airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for industrialization and rapid socio-economic development.

According to him, the completion of the ultra-modern terminal building together with a multi-purpose terminal and other ancillary facilities are expected to provide the needed impetus for increased economic/trading activities.

Commissioning the Tamale Airport expansion work, the Vice President said the airport will also reinforce the status of Tamale as a Sub-Saharan Hub Airport for flights to and from neigbouring West African countries and the Sahel Region, adding, the Tamale International Airport, will serve as an alternative to the Kotoka International Airport.

“The Northern Region, as you may well know, is noted for its vibrancy in agricultural and economic activities. Above all, it is endowed with rich tradition and culture. The location of the airport within the Sahelian belt, also referred to as the food basket of Ghana, is expected to enhance access to market for the local agriculture produce, enhance tourism and attract passengers from neighboring countries”, he explained.

“Indeed, government intends to use Tamale International Airport to support the programmes of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) of Ghana to harness fresh agricultural produce for export to other parts of the world and to generate employment and create wealth in this geographical zone”, he added.

Dr. Bawumia again said the Tamale International Airport will make Tamale the Hajj hub in Ghana and facilitate seamless travel directly to Saudi Arabia for the seasonal pilgrimage to Mecca, explaining “It is gratifying to note that the multi-Purpose Terminal, which was completed in 2022, has been used in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims in 2022 and 2023”.

The Ultra-Modern Airport Terminal Building with approximately 5,000 meter squared expandable with annual passenger throughput of 400,000, the Multi-Purpose Terminal (Hajj Facility) and the 5km Single Carriageway Access Road and other ancillary facilities.

The features of the new terminal building include a VIP lounge; two Boarding Gates; two Self-Service Check-in Kiosks; eight Check-in Desks; Airline offices and Commercial Retail Areas.

The $70 million project was funded by the UK Export Finance and KFW IPEX -Bank of Germany with Ecobuild Consult as consultants.

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson pointed out that the UK was committed to collaborating with Ghana to bring about development, adding that the upgrade of the airport will open up more opportunities.

Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Pamela Djamson-Tettey, also said after the Operational Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) phase of the project was initiated upon the handover of the terminal to the GACL, “we have engaged in the testing of all equipment and systems, training of personnel and finally, the gradual migration of operations to the newly built terminal”.

“Our objective throughout this phase has been to eliminate any risk associated with the migration; and we are committed to ensuring the seamless transfer of operations to this new terminal”, she noted

She added that: “We at the Ghana Airports remain committed to managing this state of the art facility and provide world class services for the benefit of our nation”.