President John Dramani Mahama has announced that construction of the long-awaited Bolgatanga Airport in the Upper East Region is expected to begin before the end of 2026.
The President disclosed this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during his tour of the Upper East Region, assuring residents that government was working to conclude the processes required for the project to take off.
According to President Mahama, the project is currently at the procurement stage, with the Ghana Airports Company Limited expected to secure the necessary approvals by October.
He said he would return to the region to officially cut the sod for construction to begin.
“By the end of the year, we’ll come back here, and we’ll cut the ribbon for the airport to start,” President Mahama said.
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited and Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, also confirmed that the procurement process was ongoing.
He expressed confidence that the required approvals would be obtained by October to pave the way 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 sword for work to commence in earnest,” Mr Agalga said.
The airport is expected to be completed within 24 months after construction begins. However, Mr Agalga indicated that the contractor had given assurances that the project could be delivered ahead of schedule.
When completed, the facility will initially be capable of handling about 100,000 passengers annually, with provision for future expansion as passenger traffic increases.
The proposed airport will be constructed on approximately 4,000 acres of land donated by traditional authorities.
It will feature a 2.2-kilometre runway capable of accommodating domestic jet and propeller aircraft, as well as an apron with capacity for two aircraft.
Other facilities will include airfield lighting for night operations, an air traffic control tower, rescue and firefighting facilities and a five-kilometre asphalted access road.
President Mahama described the project as a major boost to economic activity in the Upper East Region and urged residents to patronise the facility once it becomes operational.
“I believe that this airport will be a game changer. And it is my hope that the people of Upper East will patronise it and want to see your passenger numbers climb very quickly,” he said.
The President said the Bolgatanga Airport forms part of government’s broader plans to improve air connectivity across Ghana, with new airport projects also planned for Wa and Sunyani.
The facility is expected to provide direct air connectivity between the Upper East Region and Accra, reducing the need for residents to travel to Tamale to access domestic air services.
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