Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has assured that the government is committed to completing the runway extension at Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi by the end of 2025.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting organized by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr. Nikpe emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating that its completion will enable international aircraft to land safely in Kumasi, strengthening Ghana’s ambitions of becoming a regional aviation hub.
“The runway is currently 1,881 meters long, which is insufficient for some medium-body aircraft. We intend to extend it to 2,320 meters,” he explained.
According to Mr. Nikpe, the expansion will allow Kumasi to accommodate direct international flights, enhancing the city’s connectivity and boosting economic activity in the Ashanti Region.
“We’re confident that by the end of the year, the extended runway will be operational,” he added.
At the same event, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General of the GCAA, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to completing major infrastructure projects at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector.
He highlighted the ongoing construction of a modern air traffic control tower at KIA, which he said will significantly improve airspace management, radar surveillance, communication systems, and overall safety.
“These upgrades are well underway. The infrastructure for the new control tower is already 100% complete, and the entire project is more than 80% finished. We expect it to be fully operational by the end of next year,” Rev. Arthur noted.
He also announced plans to modernize Ghana’s aviation data systems, including the implementation of an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) system.
“These systems will centralize passenger data and allow state security agencies to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in Ghana,” he said. “This aligns us with international aviation security standards and enhances efforts to combat cross-border crime.”
Rev. Arthur assured that the GCAA is working closely with government and international partners to ensure all projects are completed on schedule, positioning Ghana as a key aviation hub in Africa.
