GACL targets end of year start for Wa, Bolga, Sunyani airports

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is targeting the end of 2026 to commence major aviation infrastructure projects in Wa, Sunyani and Bolgatanga as part of efforts to expand domestic air connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the country.

The company's Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, announced the plans at GACL's 20th Anniversary Lecture and Awards ceremony in Accra on Monday, November 9.

She said the projects would involve extensive upgrades to the existing airports in Wa and Sunyani, alongside the construction of a new airport in Bolgatanga to improve access to air transport in the Upper East Region.

"Before the end of 2026, we hope to begin construction of three new regional airports – Wa, Bolga and Sunyani – to enhance connectivity and open opportunities across the country," Opare said.

The announcement comes days after GACL disclosed that it had paid its first GH¢30 million dividend to the state since 2007.

At Sunyani Airport, the proposed improvements include extending the runway beyond 2,000 metres, upgrading the air traffic control tower and constructing a new passenger terminal.

The expansion is expected to enable the airport to accommodate jet operations by airlines such as Africa World Airlines, in addition to existing operator PassionAir.

In the Upper West Region, the Wa Airport project will involve extending the runway and constructing a new terminal, while Bolgatanga will have a completely new airport developed on a greenfield site to serve travellers in the Upper East Region.

The projects form part of GACL's 10-year capital investment programme, which is being financed through the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC).

The funding mechanism is also supporting ongoing improvements at Kumasi Airport and the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, with the latter project expected to be completed in November 2027.

Ms Opare said GACL was also considering the introduction of direct flights between regional destinations to reduce the dependence on Accra as the main transit point for domestic air travel.

She explained that the proposed network would allow passengers to travel between regional cities without having to route every journey through the capital.

"Imagine a more connected domestic aviation network where passengers can travel from Kumasi to Tamale, from Tamale to Wa, from Sunyani to Kumasi, or any other combinations without necessarily having to use every single trip through Accra," she said.

The GACL Managing Director said the broader investment strategy was intended to reposition regional airports as drivers of economic growth, tourism, commercial activity and national integration.

She stressed that improved aviation infrastructure would help connect communities, expand business opportunities and strengthen domestic travel across Ghana.