Preparations are in full swing for the commissioning of the Kumasi Airport, which is poised to be renamed the Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport on May 10, 2024.

The event, will be graced by President Akufo-Addo and esteemed dignitaries including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company Limited Yvonne Nana Afiriyie Opare, promises to mark a significant milestone in Ghana's aviation sector.

Scheduled for Friday, 10 May 2024, the commissioning signals the commencement of full operations at the Kumasi Airport by June this year. Under the management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, the facility is currently undergoing essential equipment testing to ensure seamless domestic and international flight operations.

Boasting a capacity to serve over 800,000 passengers annually, with a focus on travellers from the northern and middle belt regions, the airport is primed to address the growing demand for air travel. Plans for runway expansion and the demolition of outdated infrastructure underscore the commitment to modernise and optimize airport facilities.

Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, following a recent inspection of the project, expressed satisfaction with the progress. However, concerns were raised regarding the long-term maintenance of the facility, emphasising its pivotal role in driving socioeconomic development in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Highlighting the airport's significance in alleviating travel burdens for international passengers from various regions of Ghana, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the government for the realization of the project. He underscored the potential of the airport to stimulate job creation and economic growth in the vibrant Ashanti Region.

 Phase II of the project, initiated in 2018, encompasses the construction of a state-of-the-art terminal building capable of accommodating one million passengers annually. Additional infrastructure includes two boarding bridges, road networks, perimeter fencing, substations, and parking facilities, among others.