By Alex Ababio
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has carried out an extensive, high-level inspection of ongoing infrastructure works at the Prempeh I International Airport (PIA) in Kumasi, reaffirming government’s resolve to reposition the Ashanti Region as a central pillar of Ghana’s aviation, trade, and commercial ecosystem. The visit placed particular emphasis on the runway expansion project and the broader Airport City development, two flagship initiatives expected to redefine air travel and economic activity in central Ghana.
Dr. Amoakohene was joined by the Board Chairman, Managing Director, and Board Members of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), alongside senior technical officials overseeing construction and operational planning. Together, the delegation toured critical sections of the airport, reviewed progress on engineering works, and examined compliance with international aviation safety standards as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to the Regional Minister, the scale and strategic importance of the projects go far beyond physical expansion. “The runway expansion and Airport City development are transformational projects that will unlock significant economic opportunities for Kumasi and the entire Ashanti Region,” Dr. Amoakohene stated during the inspection. He stressed that the developments would enhance regional and international connectivity while positioning Kumasi as a preferred aviation gateway for business, tourism, cargo, and logistics within Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.
Runway Expansion: Laying the Foundation for International Competitiveness
The ongoing runway expansion at Prempeh I International Airport is designed to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic volumes, enabling more direct regional and international flights. Aviation engineers on site explained that the upgraded runway length and reinforced pavement structure will meet ICAO Code E standards, allowing wide-body aircraft operations and improving safety margins during adverse weather conditions.
In an interview conducted during the inspection, a senior GACL project engineer noted, “This expansion is not just about lengthening the runway; it is about future-proofing Kumasi’s aviation infrastructure for the next 30 to 40 years.” He added that the design integrates advanced drainage systems, modern airfield lighting, and navigational aids consistent with global best practice.
Industry analysts say the runway upgrade aligns with findings in recent World Bank transport infrastructure assessments and African Development Bank (AfDB) aviation sector reports, which identify secondary international airports as critical drivers of regional economic integration and trade facilitation.
Airport City Development: Beyond an Airport Terminal
Equally significant is the Airport City development, a mixed-use commercial zone planned around the airport enclave. The project is expected to host hotels, conference facilities, logistics centres, office parks, retail outlets, and aviation-linked services. According to GACL officials, the Airport City concept is informed by successful models in Addis Ababa, Kigali, and Istanbul, where airport-adjacent commercial ecosystems have generated thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment.
Dr. Amoakohene described the initiative as a catalyst for inclusive growth. “Airport City will stimulate private sector investment, create employment for young people, and deepen Kumasi’s role as a commercial nerve centre,” he said. He added that the project complements spatial development plans outlined in Ghana’s National Infrastructure Plan and Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework.
Urban development experts interviewed for this special report noted that airport cities often attract export-oriented businesses and high-value services. A transport economist at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) explained, “When properly planned, airport cities reduce logistics costs, shorten supply chains, and significantly improve a region’s competitiveness in global markets.”
Staff Durbar and Open Forum: Workers at the Centre of Reform
Beyond the technical inspection, the Regional Minister and the GACL leadership held a staff durbar and open forum with airport management and workers. The engagement provided a rare platform for frontline staff to openly share feedback, raise operational challenges, and discuss concerns related to welfare, efficiency, training, and career progression.
Several staff members highlighted the need for continuous professional development as airport operations become more technologically advanced. One operations officer remarked, “As the airport grows, our skills must also grow. Investment in staff training is key to sustaining world-class service delivery.”
Dr. Amoakohene acknowledged these concerns, describing staff engagement as central to institutional strength. “You cannot build strong aviation infrastructure without building strong human capacity,” he said. “These conversations help us identify gaps and ensure that reforms are people-centred and sustainable.”
Alignment with President Mahama’s Infrastructure and Economic Vision
The Regional Minister underscored that the developments at Prempeh I International Airport are fully aligned with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to modernise strategic national infrastructure and expand regional connectivity. He linked the airport projects directly to the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy agenda, which seeks to stimulate continuous economic activity, boost productivity, and create decent jobs across multiple sectors.
According to policy documents from the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance, aviation infrastructure is a key enabler of the 24-Hour Economy, supporting night-time cargo operations, tourism, manufacturing exports, and time-sensitive logistics. “An efficient airport in Kumasi means businesses can operate around the clock and connect seamlessly to regional and global markets,” Dr. Amoakohene explained.
Economic Impact and Regional Transformation
Economic projections cited from recent GACL planning documents and independent aviation market studies suggest that the expanded airport could significantly increase passenger throughput, cargo volumes, and non-aeronautical revenue over the next decade. Hospitality, transport, retail, and real estate sectors are expected to benefit directly from increased traffic and investment.
A private sector logistics executive interviewed for this report said, “For exporters in the Ashanti and Northern belts, a fully functional international airport in Kumasi will be a game-changer. It reduces transit time to Accra and lowers operational costs.”
Government Support and Stakeholder Collaboration
Dr. Amoakohene commended the Board, management, and staff of GACL for what he described as professionalism, resilience, and dedication to duty. He assured them of government’s continued support, emphasizing that successful delivery of the projects depends on close collaboration among state institutions, contractors, local authorities, and host communities.
“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion and effective utilisation of these projects for the benefit of the Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole,” the Minister reaffirmed.
As construction progresses, stakeholders are optimistic that the transformation of Prempeh I International Airport will mark a turning point for Kumasi’s economic fortunes. With runway expansion, Airport City development, and human capital engagement advancing in tandem, the Ashanti Region appears poised to take its place as a strategic aviation and commercial hub in Ghana and the wider sub-region.