GACL targets year-end start for Wa, Bolgatanga and Sunyani airport projects

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) hopes to begin construction on airport projects in Wa, Bolgatanga and Sunyani before the end of 2026 to improve domestic connectivity and expand economic opportunities.

The developments comprise upgrades at Wa and Sunyani airports and a new airport in Bolgatanga.

GACL Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, announced the plans at the company’s 20th Anniversary Lecture and Awards in Accra on Monday, November 9.

“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,” she said.

Mrs Opare said the projects formed part of a strategy to extend the benefits of aviation infrastructure beyond Accra.

At Wa, the planned works include a new terminal building and a runway extension to improve access to the Upper West Region.

The Bolgatanga project involves building an airport on a new site. It is expected to improve access to the Upper East Region and support commerce, tourism and investment.

Sunyani Airport is earmarked for a new terminal building, a modern air traffic control tower, and a runway extension to more than 2,000 metres.

The existing runway limits the types of aircraft that can use the airport. The proposed extension could accommodate jet services by operators such as Africa World Airlines, alongside the airport’s current operator, PassionAir.

The three projects form part of a wider investment programme supported by the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC).

The charge was introduced to mobilise funding for major aviation infrastructure improvements over a ten-year period.

The programme also includes improvements at Kotoka International Airport and infrastructure development at Kumasi Airport.