President Nana AkuffoAddo has cut sod for expansion works on the second phase of the Tamale international Airport project.
The President at ceremony said government intends to use the project to support programmes of the Northern Development Authority to harness fresh agricultural produce for export in order to reduce poverty in the area and also enhance job creation.
He said the boost in agriculture, will support the development of agro-based industries within Northern Ghana which he said was in line with the Governments flagship program of one district, one dam.
The President however bemoaned the widespread encroachment of airport lands which he said could threaten future expansions.
He charged the operators and regulators of the airports and the lands commission to work closely to ensuring that all airport lands were protected not only for future expansion purposes, but also to safeguard lives and property in the unlikely event of an accident within the airport enclave.
The Ya-Na, Abukari Mahama in a speech read for him called on government to step up its support to farmers in the form of farm inputs and extension services. He added that the meteorological services also needed to be adequately resourced to help deal with the consequence of climate change.
The Dagbon overlord said the full benefit of the project ought to be supported with an ultra modern health facility to handle a potentially larger clientele. He therefore appealed to the President for the completion of the expansion works of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The Minister for Aviation Joseph Kofi Adda said his ministry has strategized towards the attainment of a vision of making Ghana an Aviation hub and a preferred destination of choice for travelers within the West African Sub-Region.
The government of Ghana acting through Ghana Airports and in partnership with QGMI will upgrade the Tamale Airport to allow the facility to handle International operations.
During the expansion of the existing Tamale Airport, dedicated access roads and infrastructure on the North side of the current runway will be constructed, creating conducive conditions for the development of an airport city around the new terminal.
Source:Diamondfmonline.com/ Ken Zurre
