The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, led a team of technical officials from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL)and officials from the Tamale Airport Company office to the proposed airport site at Sumburungu in the Bolgatanga area of the Northern Region.
The visit also brought together key stakeholders, including the Chief of Sumburungu (Tindana’s lands), landowners, and other traditional leaders, as well as community representatives.
Addressing chiefs and residents of Sumburungu, the Minister explained that the presence of the Ghana Airports Company officials was not an official ceremony to open or launch the airport. Rather, it was meant for technical assessment by engineers to gain a first hand understanding of the site that had been provided by the chiefs and people for the proposed airport project.
He noted that the official sod-cutting ceremony would be led by the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, together with President John Dramani Mahama, alongside government officials. The Minister said government hopes the sod-cutting will take place in June 2026, to mark the official start of the project and its timeline.
The Minister led the delegation of engineers from GACL to carry out an initial evaluation of the land earmarked for the proposed airport project in the Upper East Region.Technical assessment and stakeholder involvement.The technical team, drawn from both Accra and Tamale, was led by Ing. Samuel Asare. They were on site to conduct the early stages of technical work required to move the project forward.
The delegation held discussions with traditional leaders and elders, where Ing. Asare explained that the assessment is part of the early technical processes needed to prepare adequately before the official sod-cutting ceremony. He said the exercise will help the engineers identify what needs to be addressed immediately ahead of commencement.
Ing. Asare expressed satisfaction with the cooperation from stakeholders and said the visit marks a significant milestone in the implementation process.
He added that once the necessary technical steps are completed, the GACL Managing Director and President Mahama are expected to visit the region to officially cut the sod for the commencement of the project.Ing. Asare encouraged residents to view the airport as a national development project, not only a project for Bolgatanga.
He stated that the airport represents the government’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth across the country.He further clarified that the technical team came to conduct basic assessments particularly to determine whether existing roads and access routes are in good condition.
He noted that the engineers must observe the site and access roads so that the appropriate improvements can be recommended ahead of the official ceremony.
Ing. Asare expressed gratitude for the hospitality and the time stakeholders had given the team, and assured them that the engineers would submit their report to support the smooth preparation required before the ground breaking led by Ghana’s top leadership.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.