Construction of Bolgatanga Airport to begin by end of 2026 – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that construction of the much-needed Bolgatanga Airport in Ghana's Upper East Region will commence no later than the end of 2026. During his visit to the region on August 13, 2026, the President expressed confidence that the project would move forward once the necessary approvals are secured.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited is expected to acquire the required permissions by October, leading to the official sod-cutting ceremony by Mahama himself. The Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, James Agalga, confirmed that the procurement process is ongoing and expressed optimism that approvals will be granted by the October deadline.

Once construction begins, the facility is projected to be completed within 24 months. Upon completion, the airport will initially be equipped to handle around 100,000 passengers annually, with potential for expansion in the future. The 4,000-acre site, donated by traditional authorities, will include a 2.2-kilometer runway suitable for domestic jet and propeller aircraft, an apron for two aircraft, airfield lighting, an air traffic control tower, rescue and firefighting facilities, and a five-kilometer asphalted access road.

Mahama emphasized that the new airport would significantly boost economic activity in the Upper East Region and urged locals to utilize the facility once it opens. He also noted that it would enhance air connectivity between the Upper East Region and Accra, reducing the necessity for residents to travel to Tamale for domestic air services.