By Akanimo Sampson
Ghana is planning to commence the construction of the third phase of Tamale Airport in a bid to give the facility international status.
Transport and Aviation Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, announced this when he paid a working visit to the Tamale Metropolitan Area in the Northern Region of the country, to acquaint himself with the level of development with the second phase.
The phase three construction works involves expanding the main multipurpose terminal (approximately 5,508 square meters) which is under construction as part of the second phase, and some other facilities.
The cost of the phase three construction works is yet to be determined.
However, the minister explained that the technical experts from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airports Company Limited are working hand in hand with the contractors, QGMI, a Brazilian construction firm, and the project consultant, Ecobuild Consult to determine the cost of the proposed works.
He notes that the government will immediately look for funds to finance the project, explaining that undertaking the two phases simultaneously will be economically viable and profitable.
“The project the consultant advised that we carry out the two phases concurrently as we did for Kumasi Airport. This will be viable, it will be profitable, and there will less cost for us.”
The Tamale Airport phase two construction is currently 57 per cent complete overall.
Among the facilities inspected were the project design, the main terminal, a multipurpose building, bulk utility, and the access road and car park which are 80%, 57%, 61%, 41%, and 38% complete respectively.
The bulk utility comprises an underground firefighting reservoir, a portable water tank, and a wastewater treatment system.
“Per the briefings I’ve had and have gone to the project site to inspect the facilities in person, I can confidently say that the project will be completed on schedule”, the minister said.
