A non-partisan association representing citizens from Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo, Tongo, Zuarungu, and nearby areas, BONABOTO, has urged the government and mining companies operating in the Upper East region to work together in building an airport for the region.

The group sees this initiative as a means to not only enhance connectivity for the Upper East Region but also to foster economic growth and development.

Professor Samuel Awinkine Atintono, the National President of BONABOTO, highlighted the significance of collaboration between the government and mining companies to actualize the airport project.

“We, as a group that is focused on development, would like to appeal to the government to take a serious look at these issues. We have over the years been fighting for the construction of the airport, which already has some groundwork at Sumbrungo. We call on the government and all development partners, especially the mining companies, to ensure that they support us to have the airport constructed within the shortest possible time to open up the region.”

Samuel Awinkene Atintono

The National President of BONABOTO, Professor Samuel Awinkine Atintono, made a passionate appeal during the 13th Biennial Delegate’s Congress of BONABOTO for the construction of an airport in the Upper East Region.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and mining companies for the realization of the airport project.

Prof. Atintono urged factions involved in the Bawku skin and the Bolgatanga chieftaincy dispute to allow peace to prevail in the region for development initiatives like the construction of an airport to move forward.

Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, said the government is committed to constructing an airport for the region.

“The last time the Vice President was here, I told him to build an airport in the region before the end of the year 2024 and we’re working seriously on it.”

Mr. Yakubu called on BONABOTO to collaborate with other stakeholders such as the Regional Coordinating Council and the academic institutions to come out with a Regional Development Strategic Plan to leverage the human and material resources the region has been endowed with.

Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebgtang, reiterated his call for large-scale gold mining in his area, raising concerns about activities of illegal gold mining in the Talensi district.

chief of Talensi

“Some of these illegal miners wash the chemicals, and it runs into the small streams which move into the Red Volta. If you travel to the eastern part of Talensi, you will see so much damage to farms by these illegal miners,” he complained.

He said the traditional council has drafted a corporate social responsibility document for the two large-scale mining companies operating in the district to ensure the district and the region get sustainable development out of the gold mined.