President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to expand the use of the Ho Airport beyond commercial passenger services, with government pursuing initiatives to transform the facility into a major aviation hub.
Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, the President said the airport had significant potential despite limited commercial flights between Ho and Accra.
He disclosed that government was exploring alternative aviation-related investments, including the establishment of a pilot training school and facilities to train aeronautical engineers.
According to President Mahama, the Ghana Airports Company Limited has already allocated land for the proposed pilot training academy, which is expected to create opportunities for young Ghanaians interested in careers in the aviation industry.
“It will train pilots here in Ho. It will also train aeronautical engineers, those who are engineers who service the planes,” he said.
The President further revealed that government is considering the development of aircraft maintenance and servicing facilities at the airport to support private aircraft operations.
He explained that the proposed facility would provide services such as aircraft parking, cleaning and maintenance for private jets from Ghana and other countries, creating additional economic opportunities for the Volta Region.
President Mahama noted that airports are not built solely for passenger travel but also serve as important drivers of economic activity, stressing that government is committed to maximising the potential of regional airports.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening domestic air connectivity, saying travellers should not always have to pass through Accra to access other parts of the country.
According to him, improved air links between cities such as Ho, Kumasi and Tamale would help promote trade, tourism and regional economic development.
The President added that ongoing developments around the airport, including the Tema Development Corporation’s Oxygen City project, are expected to increase commercial activity and enhance the economic value of the surrounding area.
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