President John Dramani Mahama has formally commenced the sod-cutting ceremony for the multi-purpose, multi-tiered car park and airport hotels complex at the Accra International Airport (AIA). The project, a significant investment in Ghana’s international connectivity, represents a crucial step in preparing the nation’s principal international gateway for future demands.
Performing the ceremony yesterday, President Mahama highlighted the project’s importance, stating, ‘The lesson from that investment is clear: infrastructure must anticipate growth.’ He emphasized the significance of the complex, which will provide approximately 2,030 covered parking bays and significantly increase parking capacity at Terminal 3.
The complex will feature a 120-room five-star premium hotel alongside a 250-room three-star hotel, enhancing accommodation accessibility for both premium and ordinary travelers. Furthermore, the development includes retail and commercial spaces, banking services, restaurants, a food court, and shopping malls, designed to stimulate economic activity. A covered pedestrian sky bridge will connect the development directly to Terminal 3, offering plane-watching enthusiasts a unique experience.
President Mahama explained that the complex will integrate modern commercial and business facilities, supporting passengers who wish to hold meetings before boarding their flights. He detailed that the project is being funded entirely on the balance sheet of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
An artist’s impression of the Multipurpose Multi-tiered Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at Accra International Airport was also presented, illustrating the ambitious scope of the project. The government has not yet given either of these two institutions one single cedi for these projects, emphasizing a commitment to fiscal responsibility. President Mahama underscored that this is what he wants to see: develop our country, but not to burden our creditors with requests for funds.
Beyond airport infrastructure, President Mahama announced progress on other aviation projects across the country. He stated that preparations were well advanced to start construction of the new Bolgataga Airport in the Upper East Region, procurement processes were underway for new regional airports in Wa in the Upper West Region, and Bono Region, and in Kumasi, the runway extension at the Prempeh I International Airport to accommodate heavier long-haul passenger aircraft. He also stated that the Ashanti Region is advancing on the runway extension at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi to accommodate heavier long-haul passenger aircraft.
In a significant revelation, President Mahama stated that all airport projects, including the current car park and hotel development, were being funded entirely on the balance sheet of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). He urged contractors and consultants to ensure quality, value for money, strict adherence to specifications, and timely completion of the project.
President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in aviation infrastructure and strengthening Ghana’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa. The sod-cutting ceremony marks a major step forward in Ghana’s economic development and connectivity.
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Source: Graphic Online
