The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is targeting the start of construction by the end of 2026 on regional aviation projects in Wa, Bolgatanga and Sunyani.
The programme includes substantial improvements to Wa and Sunyani airports, as well as the construction of a new airport in Bolgatanga, with the aim of improving domestic air links across Ghana.
Speaking at GACL’s 20th Anniversary Lecture and Awards ceremony in Accra on Monday, November 9, Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare said the projects would support wider economic opportunities and improve movement between regions.
“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.
Her comments came days after GACL announced its first GH¢30 million dividend payment to the state since 2007.
At Sunyani Airport, the proposed works include extending the runway beyond 2,000 metres, building a new passenger terminal and upgrading the air traffic control tower.
The improvements are intended to allow Sunyani to accommodate jet services from airlines such as Africa World Airlines. The airport is currently served by PassionAir.
The redevelopment of Wa Airport in the Upper West Region will involve a longer runway and a new terminal. In the Upper East Region, the airport planned for Bolgatanga will be built on a greenfield site.
The projects form part of GACL’s 10-year capital investment programme, which is being funded through the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC).
That funding is also supporting improvements at Kumasi Airport and construction of the link concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Accra, with the latter scheduled for completion in November 2027.
GACL has recently received support from the Vice President for its efforts to diversify commercial revenue. Opare said the company was also examining the possibility of introducing direct flights between regional airports.
At present, she said, passengers often have to travel through Accra when journeying between other parts of the country.
“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 investment plans come as GACL faces debate among creatives following its suspension of unapproved cultural welcome displays at the Accra terminal.
Opare said the regional airports were intended to play a broader role beyond handling flights, describing them as “active enablers of economic activity, tourism, commerce, and national integration”.
