The chiefs and residents of the Upper East Region have reiterated their call for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to fulfill his promise of constructing an airport in the region.
The plea stems from a commitment made by the president during the run-up to the 2016 elections when he visited the Sumbrungu chief’s palace, assuring the community of an airport if he were elected.
The paramount chief of the Sekote traditional area, Naba Sigri Bewong, speaking on behalf of the people, emphasised the urgency of honouring this promise.
He recalled President Akufo-Addo’s reaffirmation during the launch of the One-Village-One-Dam project in the Bongo district.
“Having been elected as president and almost ending his second term, we would like to also make a passionate appeal to him to, as a matter of urgency, honour his promise by pooling resources to continue and complete this partly developed site into a functioning airport,” Naba Bewong noted.
Highlighting the historical contribution of the region, Naba Bewong mentioned that in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the people willingly released 7051.44 acres of land at the Sumbrungu community for the development of an airport.
Despite this gesture, the Upper East Region remains the only one among the original 10 without a functional airport, and the chief lamented the lack of political and financial will from successive governments.
The necessity of an airport in the region was underscored by the residents, citing its potential to catalyze investment and support the development of the country.
The region’s significant resources, including gold, oil, industrial clay, and other minerals, make the construction of an airport crucial for economic growth.
The durbar held at the proposed airport site featured cultural performances and traditional dances, expressing the region’s eagerness for the realisation of the promised project.
The Chairman of the Upper East Airport Development Committee, Gabriel Agambila, emphasised the challenges faced by travelers due to the absence of an airport in the region, leading to long and stressful road journeys to Tamale.
Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, on his part, praised the collective effort of the chiefs and residents in advocating for the airport.
He assured ongoing engagement with the government and investors to facilitate the construction.
Mr Yakubu urged the 15 Members of Parliament from the region to support the community in achieving their airport dream.
