Franklin Cudjoe is the Founding President of IMANI-Africa
Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President and CEO of Imani-Africa has expressed his sentiments over Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s manifesto promise to construct an airport in Cape Coast, Central Region.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, during the NPP manifesto launch on Sunday, August 18, 2024, revealed plans for the development and construction of an airport.
Dr. Bawumia further disclosed that $2 billion has been secured from South Korean investors for the project.
“I will facilitate the establishment, by the private sector, of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Tamale Airport to develop it into an aviation cargo, horticultural cargo, and logistics hub, commence the development of the Cape Coast Airport, for which funding has been secured under the Korean $2 billion facility, in collaboration with the private sector, and build an airport in the Upper East Region,“ Dr. Bawumia stated.
However, speaking on the issue on the Joy News Super Morning show on Monday, August 19, 2024, Franklin Cudjoe stated that the project isn’t needed.
According to him, the government should focus on expanding the roads to dual carriageways rather than considering the construction of an airport.
“I’m not too sure if it's feasible. I mean, air travel is good, but between Accra and Cape Coast, really, I mean setting up an airport all over the place. It's as if we are racing to dice up this country so that we travel in record time, maybe through time and space.
“I seriously don’t think this Cape Coast airport is needed at all. I think we are better off probably expanding the roads, doing dual carriage, and let’s have a good ride,” he said.
Franklin Cudjoe also opined that traveling from Accra to Cape Coast by air will not be economical for travellers.
“It's not all the time you need to fly; you also want to appreciate nature. If you pick a plane from here [Accra] to Cape Coast probably 20 minutes and you are there. I mean, it’s not economical, and it's not a good use of our money, not at all.”
MAG/OGB
