The Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), James Agalga, has defended the construction of the Ho Airport in the Volta Region, dismissing claims that the project is a misplaced priority.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM on Tuesday, April 7, Mr Agalga addressed concerns about the viability of the Ho Airport and other regional airport projects.
“If you go to the United States, they have the best highways you can think of but that does not deterred from developing airport infrastructure to reduce travel time. In the same vein, the Ho airport is not a misplaced priority,” he said.
He explained that airports are not built solely for passenger transport but also play a key role in economic development, cargo services, and attracting investment.
“Now, who says airports are meant for passenger traffic solely?” he asked.
Mr Agalga further disclosed that the Ho Airport is expected to begin commercial operations soon, with increasing interest from investors.
“As we speak, the Ho airport, very soon will be put to commercial use. People have come knocking on the doors of the company, they want to establish flight training schools, as we speak, how many flying training schools do we have? all our pilots go to Kenya, elsewhere to train.
“If the Ho airport were not there, would it even cross anybody’s mind to go to Ho to establish training school?” he said.
He emphasized that airports often support a wide range of aviation-related activities, including pilot training and other specialized services.
The Ho Airport, constructed at an estimated cost of $25 million, was built between September 2015 and 2018. The project was aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating economic growth in the Volta Region, with facilities including a passenger terminal and a runway designed for commercial air traffic and related services.