The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured that government will allocate the necessary resources to complete the runway extension project at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi by the end of this year.
The completion of the project is expected to enable international aircraft to land safely in Kumasi, positioning the city as a viable destination for global travel.
Speaking to journalists at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting organized by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr. Nikpe emphasized that the project is a top priority for the government. He expressed optimism that its completion will boost Ghana’s ambition to become an aviation hub in the West African sub-region.
“The runway is a little short for some medium-body aircraft. Currently, the runway measures 1,881 meters. We intend to increase it to 2,320 meters,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe noted that the extended runway will accommodate international flights from long-haul destinations and allow medium-body aircraft to operate directly from Kumasi.
“With that, any flight from long distance and the medium-body aircraft will be able to use the facility. We are very hopeful that by the end of this year, the runway will be completed and ready for use,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, also addressed the meeting and pledged the Authority’s commitment to completing various projects at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to further Ghana’s aviation agenda.
He revealed that several initiatives are underway to elevate KIA’s status as a key business destination and air traffic center in the region.
“The construction of the modern air traffic control tower centre will transform our airspace management systems, boosting radar surveillance, communication efficiency, and safety protocols. All these projects are very much on course,” Rev. Arthur said.
He assured stakeholders that the GCAA is working closely with government and external partners to ensure timely completion of the projects.
“It is expected that by the end of next year, the modern air traffic control center will be completed. The implementation is more than 80% complete, and the infrastructural component is fully done,” he added.
Rev. Arthur also revealed that the GCAA is enhancing its data systems to better coordinate flight activities and strengthen airport security.
“We are referring to the Advanced Passenger Information System and the Passenger Name Record System, which are long overdue in Ghana,” he said.
He explained that the advanced system will collect and analyze passenger data centrally, allowing state security agencies such as the Ghana Immigration Service to identify travelers before they land at any airport in the country.
Rev. Arthur stressed that the system aligns with global aviation security protocols and will allow Ghana to integrate seamlessly into international efforts to combat cross-border crime.