New Bolgatanga airport to be completed in 24 Months — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the proposed site for a new regional airport near Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga municipality, marking the start of his two-day #ResettingGhana tour of the Upper East Region.

The project, set to be completed in 24 months, will have a 2,200-metre runway for domestic commercial jets and cargo flights. It will also include a scalable terminal building with an initial annual capacity of 100,000 passengers and an adjacent modern "Airport City."

Addressing local leaders and residents, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, led by Naba Clifford Tandegrewangrekugre Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, for donating land for the project. He described the development as a crucial step toward enhancing air connectivity, trade, and economic growth across the northern belt.

"We want to develop a city around the airport so that the facility can generate added value and stimulate economic activity," President Mahama noted.

Built for both passenger and cargo traffic, the airport is expected to revolutionise local commerce by facilitating the transport of agricultural produce from the region's farming hub and allowing local mining firms to transport gold bullion directly to Accra.

President Mahama said the facility will end long travel burdens for residents. Commuting 160 kilometres to Tamale to catch a flight or enduring an 11-hour bus ride to Accra will soon be a thing of the past, he stated.

Describing the project as a major economic catalyst, the President added that contractors are encouraged to complete it ahead of schedule. Procurement and final approvals are expected by October 2026, with construction starting before the end of the year.

The Bolgatanga development is part of a broader national initiative to boost regional aviation, alongside airport projects earmarked for Wa in the Upper West Region and Sunyani in the Bono Region.

Accompanying the President were senior government officials, including Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company James Agalga (MP); Minister for Local Government Designate and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga; Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu (MP); the Upper East Regional Minister; and several local Members of Parliament and appointees.