The Managing Director of GACL, Madame Pamela Djamson Tetteh, commended the dedication, hard work, and resilience of the company's staff, especially the ORAT team, during the Operational Readiness and Transfer Phase (ORAT) of the project. She acknowledged their efforts in ensuring a smooth transition of operations.

Madam Djamson-Tettey also reaffirmed GACL's commitment to providing world-class facilities and services for the benefit of stakeholders while maintaining a strong focus on airport safety and security.

In the meantime, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who officially inaugurated the new airport terminal, emphasized that the project was in line with the government's vision to expand the horizons of the aviation industry. He highlighted that the project's completion and the development of associated facilities are expected to stimulate increased economic activity, supporting the programs of the Northern Development Authority (NDA). This, he explained, would facilitate the export of fresh agricultural produce, job creation, and wealth generation.

Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism that the completion of the project would encourage other service providers to invest in areas such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Cargo facilities, and cold storage for the export of perishable goods.

However, Dr. Bawumia expressed concerns about encroachment on airport lands and the associated risks for future expansion efforts. He called on relevant authorities to ensure the protection and proper management of airport lands to safeguard lives and property.

Background:

The second phase of the Tamale Airport Project, which commenced in July 2019, includes the construction of an Airport Terminal Building designed to accommodate an annual passenger throughput of 400,000, along with a Multi-Purpose Terminal and other related facilities.

The new Terminal Building features a VIP lounge, two Boarding Gates, two Self-Service Check-in Kiosks, eight Check-in Desks, airline offices, and commercial retail areas.

As part of the project design, a new 5km road network off the Tamale-Bolgatanga Road has been constructed to enhance accessibility to the airport.

Additionally, the Multi-Purpose Terminal, completed in 2022, played a role in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in 2022 and 2023.

The phased development of the Tamale Airport is part of a comprehensive plan to establish the facility as an alternative airport to Kotoka International Airport, with the capacity to handle wide-body aircraft in emergency situations.

Madame Pamela Djamson Tetteh, the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has emphasized that the inauguration of the Tamale International Airport is set to create new opportunities for Ghana's aviation industry.

Madame Tetteh highlighted that the newly established airport terminal is poised to provide travelers with an enhanced and enjoyable experience, while also furthering Ghana's aspiration to emerge as a central aviation hub within the West African sub-region.

Speaking at the ceremony to officially inaugurate the airport in Tamale on August 22, 2023, Madame Djamson Tetteh recounted the progression of events that culminated in the successful completion and inauguration of the project.

She specified that following the handover phase, the Operational Readiness and Transfer Phase (ORAT) was initiated.

“This involved the testing of equipment and systems, training of Personnel and subsequently, the gradual migration of operations from the old to the new Terminal and the objective was to mitigate the risks associated with the transfer of operations,” she explained.

The Managing Director of GACL, Madame Pamela Djamson Tetteh, commended the dedication, hard work, and resilience of the company's staff, especially the ORAT team, during the Operational Readiness and Transfer Phase (ORAT) of the project. She acknowledged their efforts in ensuring a smooth transition of operations.

Madam Djamson-Tettey also reaffirmed GACL's commitment to providing world-class facilities and services for the benefit of stakeholders while maintaining a strong focus on airport safety and security.

In the meantime, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who officially inaugurated the new airport terminal, emphasized that the project was in line with the government's vision to expand the horizons of the aviation industry. He highlighted that the project's completion and the development of associated facilities are expected to stimulate increased economic activity, supporting the programs of the Northern Development Authority (NDA). This, he explained, would facilitate the export of fresh agricultural produce, job creation, and wealth generation.

Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism that the completion of the project would encourage other service providers to invest in areas such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Cargo facilities, and cold storage for the export of perishable goods.

However, Dr. Bawumia expressed concerns about encroachment on airport lands and the associated risks for future expansion efforts. He called on relevant authorities to ensure the protection and proper management of airport lands to safeguard lives and property.

Background:

The second phase of the Tamale Airport Project, which commenced in July 2019, includes the construction of an Airport Terminal Building designed to accommodate an annual passenger throughput of 400,000, along with a Multi-Purpose Terminal and other related facilities.

The new Terminal Building features a VIP lounge, two Boarding Gates, two Self-Service Check-in Kiosks, eight Check-in Desks, airline offices, and commercial retail areas.

As part of the project design, a new 5km road network off the Tamale-Bolgatanga Road has been constructed to enhance accessibility to the airport.

Additionally, the Multi-Purpose Terminal, completed in 2022, played a role in facilitating Hajj Pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in 2022 and 2023.

The phased development of the Tamale Airport is part of a comprehensive plan to establish the facility as an alternative airport to Kotoka International Airport, with the capacity to handle wide-body aircraft in emergency situations.