Preparations are underway for the commissioning of Kumasi Airport, set to be renamed Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport on May 10, 2024.

The event, graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and esteemed dignitaries such as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afiriyie Opare, promises to be a significant milestone in Ghana's aviation sector.

Scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, the commissioning signals the beginning of full operations at Kumasi Airport by June of the same year.

Managed by the Ghana Airport Company Limited, the facility is currently undergoing essential equipment testing to ensure smooth domestic and international flight operations.

With a capacity to serve over 800,000 passengers annually, the airport will focus on travellers from the northern and middle belt regions, addressing the increasing demand for air travel.

Plans for runway expansion and the demolition of outdated infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to modernising and optimising airport facilities.

Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, following a recent inspection of the project, expressed satisfaction with the progress.

However, concerns were raised regarding the long-term maintenance of the facility, emphasising its pivotal role in driving socioeconomic development in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Recognising the airport's significance in easing travel for international passengers from various regions of Ghana, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II praised the government for bringing the project to fruition.

He emphasised the airport's potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in the vibrant Ashanti Region.

Phase II of the project, launched in 2018, includes the construction of a modern terminal building capable of accommodating one million passengers annually.

Additional infrastructure includes two boarding bridges, road networks, perimeter fencing, substations, and parking facilities, among others.