President Mahama sets 2028 deadline for completion of Upper East Regional Airport
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the long-awaited Upper East Regional Airport is expected to be completed by 2028, giving renewed hope to residents and stakeholders in the region.
The President made the announcement on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during an inspection of the site earmarked for the construction of the airport.
According to President Mahama, the project is currently at the procurement stage, with the government working to complete the necessary processes to enable construction to begin before the end of 2026.
He said the airport forms part of a broader government programme to expand aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country.
President Mahama disclosed that, alongside the Upper East project, new airport facilities are also planned for Wa and Sunyani.
“The project is 24 months and I have been following the process of the procurement. I want us to let it go quickly,” he said, indicating that the government is keen to move the project from the procurement stage to actual construction.
The President expressed confidence that work could commence before the end of the year, subject to the completion of the procurement process.
He further revealed that although the agreed construction period is 24 months, the contractors have indicated that they may be able to finish the project ahead of schedule.
“Even though they have given 24 months, the contractors assure us that they can do it in a shorter time than that,” President Mahama said.
He added that he would return to the region to join traditional leaders and residents for the official groundbreaking ceremony once the project is ready to commence.
The proposed airport is expected to strengthen transportation links in the Upper East Region, improve access to the area and support economic activity, tourism and investment.
The President's announcement is therefore likely to heighten expectations among residents who have waited for the airport project to move from plans to actual construction.
With construction expected to begin before the end of 2026 and a contractual period of 24 months, the facility is projected to be completed by 2028, unless the contractors deliver ahead of schedule.