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With the official opening of the eagerly anticipated Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo promises to keep using projects to appease his detractors.
Rejecting accusations that the NPP administration has started projects that never existed, President Akufo-Addo stated that the new airport’s commissioning demonstrates his dedication to advancement.
On Friday, May 10, Nana Akufo-Addo gave a speech to the assembly and declared his will to overcome skepticism and move on with projects that would transform the country.
“Anytime I begin a project, people say I can’t do it,” the President retorted.
“They say it is 419, but I shame them. I dare say that I am doing it and I will continue to do it until my tenure ends.”
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the facility’s role in alleviating travel challenges and advancing the nation’s aviation industry.
He also reiterated his government’s commitment to nurturing Ghana’s aviation sector, aiming to enhance its competitiveness within West Africa and globally.
“This project is not only critical for government but also very dear to the people of Ashanti Region. It will not only meet the needs of the people of Ashanti Region but also a symbol of development and progress. The airport will serve as an important gateway forging economic ties, supporting international trade and tourism, and promoting cultural exchange”.
When work on the second phase of Kumasi Airport began in May 2018 and was scheduled to be finished in 24 months, the idea of making the airport international excited the locals much.
At a cost of 66 million euros, this involved creating a new terminal building, parking lots, VVIP and VIP lounges, restaurants, commercial spaces, boarding gates, and a power plant.
However, due to budgetary limitations, the third and final phase, which was supposed to be finished by June 2023, experienced a significant postponement.
At a cost of 58 million euros, it included the expansion of the current runway, the building housing the air traffic control center, the installation of a new taxi connection, the fire station, and an aeronautical ground illumination system.
With a capacity to accommodate 800,000 passengers annually and 200 passengers per hour, the airport is now ready for international flights even if the original completion deadline was not fulfilled.
The Juabenhene Nana Otuo Siribuor II praised the President for finishing the project on behalf of the Asantehene.
“The operation of the airport is going to make the cost of traveling cheap for us because sometimes you get to Accra and due to bad weather, you can’t fly to Kumasi. You either have to lodge in a hotel or come to Kumasi by road. We thank the President for delivering his promise to the good people of Ashanti”, Nana Otuo Siribuo II stated.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
