The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on government to complete the Boankra Inland Port project, to open up the middle belt for increased economic activity.

“The progress on the Airport project is commendable but the Inland Port project is also at a slow pace. Whatever impediments are slowing the progress, ensure that are removed for its completion. The coming in of the Inland Port and the International Airport with the railway will boost the economy.

The Inland Port project has been delayed. It started in the era of President Kufour. Ensure all the obstacles are cleared to make that project see the light of day. Even if it means to get a share of the IMF loan to complete the Inland Port project, it is possible,” he said.

The Asantehene was speaking when a delegation led by the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, paid a call to him to brief him about the progress of work on the Kumasi Airport and the planned inauguration date.

Kumasi Airport Expansion works

Work on Phase Two (2) of the Kumasi Airport Project began in 2018. It included the construction of a new Terminal Building to handle one million passengers per annum, two boarding bridges, a road network, perimeter fence, a substation and parking lot among others. The cost of the expansion work was estimated at £66,350,000.

Phase three of the Kumasi Airport Expansion Project involves the extension of the existing runway pavement from 1,981 meters to 2,320 meters, the construction of new taxi link and two Apron Parking Stands, an Air Traffic Control Building, and a Fire Station among others. The cost for this phase is estimated at £58,900,000.

The Kumasi Airport is currently served by two domestic carriers namely: Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air. The Project Contractor is Messrs Contracta Construction UK Ltd. Ghana.