The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has promised to provide top-notch airport services and amenities to help Ghana establish itself as the region's leading airport market and preferred aviation centre.
The airport operator insisted that it will keep the airports secure and safe while still providing travellers with a pleasurable experience.
At the Tamale International Airport's commissioning, GACL's Managing Director (MD), Pamela Djamson-Tettey, declared that the company was dedicated to offering top-notch facilities and services for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The new Tamale International Airport aims to spur growth and investment in the country's northern region.
The airport, which now has international status as a result of the enlargement project, has been made accessible to air travellers from abroad.
This comes after the Ghana Airport Corporation Limited's project underwent successful tests and simulations.
Construction on phase two of the Tamale Airport project, which includes the construction of a multi-purpose terminal, an airport terminal building with a capacity for 400,000 passengers per year, and other auxiliary buildings, began in July 2019.
A VIP lounge, two boarding gates, two self-service check-in kiosks, eight check-in desks, airline offices and commercial retail spaces are among the amenities of the new terminal structure.
To make it simple to get to the airport, a brand-new five-kilometer road network has been built as part of the project's design (off the Tamale-Bolgatanga Road).
The multi-purpose terminal, which was finished in 2022, was additionally utilised to aid Hajj pilgrims during their yearly journey to Mecca in 2022 and 2023.
Tamale Airport is being developed gradually as part of a complex plan to turn the facility into a backup airport to Kotoka International Airport (KIA) with the ability to accommodate wide-body aircraft in an emergency.
Following the handover, the Operational Readiness and Transfer Phase (ORAT) began, according to Madam Djamson-Tettey.
This required testing of the systems and equipment, training of the staff, and then a gradual transition of operations from the old to the new terminal, according to her.
According to her, the goal was to reduce the risks connected to the transfer of operations.
She congratulated the workers, particularly the ORAT team, for their commitment, perseverance, and hard work during the ORAT Phase of the project, which helped to ensure a smooth transition of operations.
The project, according to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is a component of the government's plan to develop the aviation sector and establish Ghana as the aviation centre for the West African subregion.
He said that additional economic activity would be stimulated by the opening of the Tamale International Airport Phase II project and other related amenities.
According to him, the new facility will help Northern Development Authority (NDA) programmes that aim to export fresh agricultural products, create jobs, and increase income.
He emphasised the significance of the airport's location within the Sahelien belt, saying that it was essential for improving access to markets for local agricultural products, boosting tourism, and luring travellers from nearby nations.
Dr. Bawumia was certain that other service providers will take advantage of the project's completion to invest in areas like the construction of MRO, freight facilities, and cold stores for the storage and subsequent export of fresh food.
He bemoaned the massive encroachment on airport properties and the dangers it poses to upcoming expansion plans.
In order to preserve lives and property while also ensuring that airport lands were carefully secured and maintained for future expansion, he charged relevant authorities to work together.
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