Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, has announced that the remaining works on the Prempeh I International Airport are scheduled to be completed in September of this year.
She stated that the works include the extension of the runway from 1,981m to 2,320m, which is currently in progress and expected to be finished by September 2024.
During her speech at the inauguration of the airport in Kumasi, Mrs. Yvonne Opare mentioned that additional taxi links and new apron parking stands will also be completed as part of Phase 3 of the expansion works.
She emphasized that the newly built airport will serve as a gateway to the world and a catalyst for growth in Ghana’s thriving aviation and tourism sector.
Yvonne Opare explained, “The airport will provide services to hundreds and thousands of passengers who often travel from the Ashanti region, mid- and northern parts of the country, to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport, to board international flights.”
She added, “With the operationalization of the Prempeh I International Airport, passengers will no longer need to make long journeys to Accra, but can catch flights right here in Kumasi directly outbound to their desired destinations around the world.”
The GACL Managing Director also revealed that there are ongoing discussions to partner with major international and regional airlines who have expressed interest in making the airport their home.
She mentioned that airlines such as British Airways, Kenya Airways, ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airways, and Tap Portugal, among others, will soon operate from the airport in the near future.
Yvonne Opare highlighted, “Just recently, Egypt Air (Airbus 320) landed at Prempeh I International Airport, disembarked passengers, and took off successfully.”
The GACL boss further urged the managers of the airport facility to adhere to maintenance requirements and the responsibilities that come with it.
“We must ensure that this airport not only serves the purposes of today and a few years ahead, but that it is maintained to stand the test of time and serve future generations,” she emphasized.
She also assured the people of Kumasi and Ghana that the new airport facility will be maintained and enhanced as needed, to establish and maintain its status as a premier aviation destination in West Africa.
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare expressed gratitude to the dedicated workers of the Ghana Airports Company Limited for their continued commitment to ensuring progress towards the new airport facility.
MA/NOQ
