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Tag: Kumasi Airport

  • ‘Forced’ to eat fufu without soup – Asiedu Nketia on commissioning of uncompleted Kumasi Airport 

    ‘Forced’ to eat fufu without soup – Asiedu Nketia on commissioning of uncompleted Kumasi Airport 

    National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has raised concerns about the recent commissioning of the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi by President Akufo-Addo.

    Despite the elaborate ceremony, Nketia expressed confusion over the decision to inaugurate a project that is still under construction.

    He emphasised the imprudence of opening a facility that is not yet fully operational and suggested that President Akufo-Addo should have waited until the airport was completed before declaring it open to the public.


    “If it had been completed, aeroplanes would have landed there. It’s like making fufu without soup and asking us to eat,” he said in an Instagram video posted by Nana Yaa Brefo, host of the Yen Nsempa Morning show on Onua FM.


    “There are bulldozers working everywhere, and you’re telling me it’s finished,” he exclaimed, questioning the legitimacy of the commissioning ceremony.


    According to the NDC Chairman, the premature commissioning of the airport reflects a political agenda aimed at garnering favour rather than addressing the practical needs of the people.


    “I’ve already mentioned that the president’s judgement should be examined,” Nketia remarked pointedly.


    On May 10, 2024, the Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi was officially opened.
    The airport’s interior is meticulously arranged into various operational areas, with many staircase walls crafted from glass to provide a visually appealing ambiance.


    Welcoming visitors at the entrance is the sign “Nante Yie,” symbolising a “safe journey.”


    This airport is expected to elevate the international profile of the Ashanti Region and contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of the local community.

  • I didn’t request Kumasi Airport to be renamed after Nkrumah – Mahama

    I didn’t request Kumasi Airport to be renamed after Nkrumah – Mahama

    Former President has denied claims suggesting that he said the Kumasi International Airport should have been renamed after the late former President Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

    “They won’t stop the misinformation and disinformation!” he wrote in a post on X.

    He shared a flier of Abusua FM that claimed that Mahama said “Kumasi Airport International should have been renamed after Kwame Nkrumah not Prempeh.”

    President Nana Akufo-Addo and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II officially inaugurated Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, formerly known as Kumasi International Airport.

    The ceremony, attended by traditional leaders, government officials, and prominent New Patriotic Party figures, took place in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, on Friday, May 10.

    In his address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his joy, highlighting that the inauguration demonstrates his government’s commitment to improving Ghana’s infrastructure to meet the changing needs of its citizens and to position the country as a leader in progress and prosperity in Africa.

    President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the timing of the commissioning, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enstoolment, is not coincidental but a deliberate tribute to the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of the Ashanti kingdom.

    He stated that renaming the airport to honor Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh I and commissioning it alongside the Asantehene’s anniversary reflects the deep respect and reverence his government has for traditional institutions.

  • New Kumasi Airport to be inaugurated today

    New Kumasi Airport to be inaugurated today

    Today marks a significant milestone for Kumasi, as the new Kumasi International Airport is set to be inaugurated, drawing interest from major international airlines for direct flights to Ghana’s Ashanti Regional capital.

    Currently, at least four airlines from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe are in talks about the possibility of establishing direct routes to Kumasi. 

    These airlines have completed extensive commercial assessments and have approached the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ghana Airports Company Limited with formal inquiries.

    The airport’s runway, at 1,981 meters, is ready to handle A319s, A320s, and Boeing 737s. To boost its capacity, there are plans to extend the runway to 2,320 meters, allowing for larger aircraft and smoother operations.

    The inauguration ceremony will be led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. 

    This event will also kick-start further testing of equipment at the new terminal, which is set to take over all domestic passenger services from the old terminal in June.

    Joining the President and Otumfuo will be Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited Yvonne N. A. Opare, among other notable figures.

    The Kumasi International Airport, located in the bustling city of Kumasi, has seen five years of redevelopment. 

    The new terminal, designed to handle over 800,000 passengers a year, is equipped with advanced passenger processing facilities and navigation aids, with Jet A1 fuel also available.

  • New Kumasi Airport to be inaugurated on May 10 as International airlines contemplate direct flight to Kumasi

    New Kumasi Airport to be inaugurated on May 10 as International airlines contemplate direct flight to Kumasi

    The impending inauguration of the new Kumasi International Airport on Friday, May 10, 2024, has captured the attention of several major international airlines.

    Presently, a minimum of four airlines are engaged in discussions concerning potential direct flights to the Ashanti Regional capital.

    These airlines, hailing from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, have conducted thorough assessments of the commercial viability of operating direct flights to the Kumasi International Airport.

    Following their evaluations, they have made formal inquiries to the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the Ghana Airports Company Limited.

    The Kumasi International Airport currently boasts a runway length of 1,981 meters, which can adequately support the operations of A319s, A320s, and Boeing 737s.

    To further enhance its capabilities, plans are in place to extend the existing runway pavement from 1,981 meters to 2,320 meters. This extension aims to accommodate larger aircraft models, facilitating smoother operations at the airport.

    Official Inauguration

    The official inauguration, presided over by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will initiate further equipment testing at the new terminal building in preparation for the complete relocation of all domestic passenger services from the old terminal to the new one in June.

    Accompanying President Akufo-Addo and Otumfuo for the inauguration will be Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited Yvonne N. A. Opare, and other dignitaries.

    The Kumasi International Airport, strategically situated in the heart of Ghana’s second most populous city, Kumasi, has undergone extensive redevelopment over the past five years.

    The new state-of-the-art terminal building, with a capacity to serve over 800,000 passengers annually, features modern passenger processing facilities and is equipped with navigation aids. Additionally, Jet A1 (aviation fuel) is readily available at the facility.

  • Kumasi Airport to be renamed, commissioned on May 10

    Kumasi Airport to be renamed, commissioned on May 10

    Preparations are underway for the commissioning of Kumasi Airport, set to be renamed Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport on May 10, 2024.

    The event, graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and esteemed dignitaries such as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afiriyie Opare, promises to be a significant milestone in Ghana’s aviation sector.

    Scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, the commissioning signals the beginning of full operations at Kumasi Airport by June of the same year.

    Managed by the Ghana Airport Company Limited, the facility is currently undergoing essential equipment testing to ensure smooth domestic and international flight operations.

    With a capacity to serve over 800,000 passengers annually, the airport will focus on travellers from the northern and middle belt regions, addressing the increasing demand for air travel.

    Plans for runway expansion and the demolition of outdated infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to modernising and optimising airport facilities.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-I56u72B6A

    Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, following a recent inspection of the project, expressed satisfaction with the progress.

    However, concerns were raised regarding the long-term maintenance of the facility, emphasising its pivotal role in driving socioeconomic development in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

    Recognising the airport’s significance in easing travel for international passengers from various regions of Ghana, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the government for bringing the project to fruition.

    He emphasised the airport’s potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in the vibrant Ashanti Region.

    Phase II of the project, launched in 2018, includes the construction of a modern terminal building capable of accommodating one million passengers annually.

    Additional infrastructure includes two boarding bridges, road networks, perimeter fencing, substations, and parking facilities, among others.

  • Kenya Airways mulls direct flights to Kumasi Airport

    Kenya Airways mulls direct flights to Kumasi Airport

    Nairobi’s Kenya Airways, based is contemplating launching direct flights to Ghana’s new Kumasi International Airport, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and tourism ties between the two nations.

    In 2022, Ghana exported $5.46 million worth of goods to Kenya, with main exports including Coconut Oil ($2.44M), Cocoa Powder ($1.66M), and Other live plants, cuttings, and slips; mushroom spawn ($595k). Conversely, Kenya exported $9.53 million worth of goods to Ghana, including coconut and Other Vegetable Fibers ($5.08M), Tea ($1.24M), and aluminium plating ($580k).

    The tourism sector also experiences a growing influx of tourists in both directions, fueled by a visa waiver agreement and attractions in both countries.

    Mr. Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, expressed the airline’s intention to focus on Kumasi during a media interaction in Accra.

    “We are looking at this marketplace favourably, so in the first place, it [operating flights to Kumasi Airport] is something to consider,” he said.

    The Kumasi International Airport, situated in the heart of Ghana’s second most populous city, Kumasi, has undergone significant transformation in the last five years.

    The new state-of-the-art terminal building, designed to accommodate over 800,000 passengers annually, features modern passenger processing facilities and is equipped with navigation aids. Additionally, the airport offers Jet A1 (aviation fuel) services.

    Mr. Kilavuka indicated that considering flights to Kumasi appears feasible and would be positively evaluated by KQ management.

    “We just need to go back and work out on how, not if, we can operate some frequencies [ to Kumasi Airport]. What we have seen from the back of envelope analysis demonstrates the commercial viability [of servicing the Kumasi International Airport],” he said.

    The Kumasi International Airport currently boasts a runway length of 1,994 meters, which facilitates the operations of aircraft such as A319s, A320s, and Boeing 737s.

    Plans are underway to further extend the runway length to 2,300 meters or more, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

  • Kumasi International Airport project done, handed over to government

    Kumasi International Airport project done, handed over to government

    Contractors working on the Kumasi International Airport have officially handed over the completed project to the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport.

    The handover took place during an inspection and testing of the terminal facilities by officials from the Ministry of Transport and the GACL, led by Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, on Tuesday.

    The purpose of the visit was to assess whether the facilities meet international standards.

    Mr. Asiamah expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractors and expressed confidence that the airfields would also be completed promptly. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all facilities function optimally to facilitate smooth operations.

    The Minister highlighted the need for a strong maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of the facility, noting that many infrastructures in the country suffer from maintenance deficits. He expressed optimism that the facility would be commissioned before the end of May 2024.

    Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL, praised the quality of work done after testing and expressed gratitude for the continued guidance for the sustainability of the facility.

    She emphasized that the completion of the facility would significantly increase passenger traffic, particularly from the Ashanti and northern regions.

    Nana Ametepe, the Resident Engineer/Consultant for GACL, led the team on a tour of various operational departments of the facility. These included the information desk, profiling box, VVIP lounge, wrapping area, luggage scanning rooms, among others.

    The Kumasi Airport Project, Phase Two, commenced in June 2018, following the sod-cutting ceremony by President Akufo-Addo.

    The scope of work included extending the existing runway pavement, constructing new taxi links and aprons, as well as installing aeronautical ground lighting systems.

  • Kumasi Airport to be operational in May – Akufo-Addo

    Kumasi Airport to be operational in May – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has announced that the ongoing redevelopment of the Kumasi International Airport is anticipated to be fully operationalized by May of this year.

    President Akufo-Addo, delivering his 7th State of the Nation Address in Parliament on February 27, 2024, highlighted that the airport is currently 98 percent complete.

    He emphasized that the Kumasi International Airport is poised to play a crucial role as an aviation hub, fostering trade, regional connectivity, and tourism in the Ashanti region and beyond.

    During his address, President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the Kumasi International Airport will be named the Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport.

    Additionally, he revealed that the recently commissioned airport in Tamale will be named the Yakubu Tali International Airport.

    Looking ahead to future events, President Akufo-Addo expressed his anticipation of commissioning the Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi and officially naming the recently commissioned Tamale airport as the Yakubu Tali International Airport.

    He also acknowledged the upcoming elections and expressed confidence that they would be conducted peacefully, with the candidate possessing credibility to lead the nation to greater heights emerging victorious.

    The President’s State of the Nation Address adheres to Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the president to deliver a message on the State of the Nation to parliament at the beginning of each session and before the dissolution of parliament.

  • Kumasi Airport 90% complete, likely to be inaugurated by April or May – Kyei-Mensah Bonsu claims

    Kumasi Airport 90% complete, likely to be inaugurated by April or May – Kyei-Mensah Bonsu claims

    Majority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has indicated that the government is poised to finish the stalled Kumasi Airport project by May 2024.

    Responding to assertions made by Former President John Dramani Mahama during his 24-hour economy walk in Kumasi that the present government had abandoned the Kumasi Airport initiative, Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu affirmed that the current NPP administration is dedicated to completing the project.

    He mentioned that the project is scheduled to be finalized and inaugurated by May of this year.

    “President Mahama accepts the fact that Kumasi Airport wasn’t 60% complete. Today, the Kumasi Airport is 90% complete. so you can’t say the government hasn’t done anything about it.” Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu told Kwame Tanko, the host of the show.

    He additionally mentioned that the project is set to be inaugurated and put into operation by April or May 2024.

    Phase II of the Kumasi Airport project commenced in 2018, incorporating the construction of a new terminal building designed to accommodate one million passengers annually, two boarding bridges, a road network, a perimeter fence, a substation, and a parking lot, among other facilities.

    The estimated cost for Phase II expansion works on the second busiest airport in Ghana is £66,350,000.

    The subsequent Phase III of the Kumasi Airport expansion initiative includes extending the existing runway pavement from 1,981 metres to 2,320 meters, establishing a new taxi link and two apron parking stands, constructing an Air Traffic Control Building, and a Fire station, among other features. The projected cost for this phase is estimated at £58,900,000

  • Kumasi International Airport to be operationalized in October

    The Kumasi Airport which is currently being upgraded to ease the travel burdens on the Kotoka International Airport is 98 per cent complete.

    The project, started in 2018 by the Government of Ghana under the leadership of President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, costs 124.9 million euros.

    Being executed by Contracta Construction UK Limited, phase two of the Kumasi International Airport project will see the extension of the runway from the current 1,981 meters to 2,300 meters.

    A new road network and external works with security fence and substations are among the scope of work on the airport.

    The project also involves airfield works, new Air Traffic Control (ATC) building, a new fire station building, and the construction of a new terminal building with the capacity to accommodate one million passengers a year.

    However, aspects of the projects that have been completed include the construction of the terminal, installation of escalators, the baggage carousel, check-in points, and passenger boarding bridges.

    According to Mr. Yaw Appiah Dankwa, Director of Planning and Project of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, the project is expected to be ready for operationalization by October 2022

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • Parliament approves €64 million credit facility for Kumasi airport

    Parliament has approved a 64 million euro credit facility for the construction of the second phase of the Kumasi Airport.

    The project is expected to be undertaken by Contracta, an Engineering Firm, Gbcghana.com reports.

    Read: Kumasi Airport maintenance hub to create 400,000 jobs

    The Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Eugene Boakye Antwi, who is also the MP for Subin, disclosed this at Amanfrom in the Ashanti Region.

    Mr. Boakye Antwi said a further, 178 point-five million Euro loan facility has been approved by Parliament for work to start on phase two of the Kejetia Market complex.

    This will involve reconstruction of the Kumasi Central Market to provide a modern and decent centre for traders and hawkers.

    Read: Stop burning tyres around Kumasi airport NADMO

    Additionally, the sod is to be cut for the construction of 100 kilometres of roads within the Kumasi Metropolis.

    Mr. Boakye Antwi noted that already, vigorous works are ongoing on the construction of 10 critical drainage systems to contain flood waters in the Ashanti Region.

    He said the region will get its fair share of socio-economic development under the NPP Government.

    Mr. Boakye Antwi, therefore, appealed for calm and patience among residents in the face of what they consider to be insufficient development projects in the region.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com