President Mahama Approves Bolgatanga Airport Construction in Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to begin construction of the Bolgatanga Airport before the end of 2026. The project is expected to start after the completion of the ongoing procurement process.

Bolgatanga Awaits Sod-Cutting Ceremony

President Mahama made the announcement during his tour of the Upper East Region on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, James Agalga, confirmed that procurement for the project was underway. Agalga said the company was working to obtain all required approvals by October to allow the President to return and officially cut the sod for construction.

"We're working around the clock. At the moment, we are at public procurement. We're hoping that by October, we should receive all the necessary approvals to allow for you to come back and cut the sword for work to commence in earnest," Mr Agalga said.

The Bolgatanga Airport is expected to take 24 months to complete once construction begins, although the contractor has indicated that the project could be delivered ahead of schedule. The facility will initially handle about 100,000 passengers annually and will be designed to accommodate future expansion.

Airport's Strategic Importance

President Mahama described the Bolgatanga Airport as an "important enabler of economic activity" and a potential "game changer" for the Upper East Region. The facility will be constructed on approximately 4,000 acres of land donated by traditional authorities. It will include a 2.2-kilometre runway, aircraft apron, air traffic control tower, night-operation lighting, rescue and firefighting facilities, and a five-kilometre asphalted access road.

Regional Air Connectivity

The Bolgatanga Airport is part of government's efforts to improve air connectivity across the country, with airports also planned for Wa and Sunyani. President Mahama said the project is aimed at enhancing economic development in the region. The Upper East Region is one of the country's poorest, with limited access to basic amenities.

Roadmap to Completion

The airport is expected to be completed in 24 months, although the contractor has hinted at an early delivery. The facility will be constructed on land donated by traditional authorities. The project's success will be a significant boost to the regional economy, providing jobs and improving living standards for the local population.

The Bolgatanga Airport project is a significant development for the Upper East Region, offering a new opportunity for economic growth and development. With the procurement process nearing completion, the stage is set for the sod-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region's history.

Source: JOY