President Mahama cuts sod for Ho Airport
President John Dramani Mahama on Friday cut the sod for commencement of work on an airport in the Volta Region at Titrinu, near Ho.
The $25 million project funded by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) is to be completed in September 2016 to boost economic activities and tourism in the region.
It includes an airport city with residential apartments, hotels, health and conference centres and entertainment joints.
Features of the 1,500 acre land airport would comprise of 1,900 metres runway, air traffic control tower, 1,150 capacity passenger waiting area, ultramodern air bus terminal and automatic fire detection systems.
The project is being executed by Amandi Holding Limited under the slogan, “Ho Airport -The New Destination.”
President Mahama said the project was one of a string of such projects earmarked for all regional capitals to open up the country for rapid socio-economic growth.
He said the Ho Airport became necessary in view of the unique geographical location of the Region and its tourism potentials.
President Mahama commended the chiefs and people of the Region for welcoming the project and urged them to take advantage of the aviation fuel trade, car rental and other businesses that would come with the airport.
He gave the assurance that the Eastern corridor road would be completed.
Mr Charles Kwame Asare, Managing Director of GACL said commencement of work on the Ho Airport marked an important milestone for the Company and the country, and gave the assurance that work would be executed on schedule.
He said the vision of the GACL was to make Ghana the preferred aviation hub in West Africa.
Madam Dzifa Attivor, Minister for Transport said similar airports would be constructed in Wa and Cape Coast.
Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Volta Regional Minister said she was excited that a major promise made by the government to the region was being fulfilled.
She was hopeful the Volta Region would be the “new destination” for tourists and entrepreneurs after the completion of the project.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli and President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs described the project as a “pleasant surprise” to the region.
“There can’t be any better symbol of development without an airport in the regional capital,” he said.
Togbe Afede was hopeful that the airport would raise the status of Ho and place it among the few cities in the world with such facilities.
He urged the people to take advantage of the opportunities to expand the local economy.
Mr Hagai Raz, a Representative of Amandi Holding Limited said when completed, the airport would host commercial and domestic flights.
The colourful sod cutting event attracted traditional rulers from across the region, including Togbe Agorkoli III, Ewefiaga of Notsie in the Republic of Togo, who was in town to grace the grand durbar to climax this year’s Asogli Yam Festival.
Source: GNA