British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, has stated that the UK government's financial commitment to northern Ghana, particularly in relation to the Tamale International Airport, will have a positive impact on both Ghana's economic expansion and the promotion of tourism throughout the region.

She emphasized that the successful realization of the Tamale Airport Project is a demonstration of the favorable results stemming from the collaborative relationship between the UK and Ghana.

Ms Thompson made these remarks during the inauguration of Phase II of the Tamale International Airport Project in Tamale on Tuesday.

Harriet Thompson joined the Country Director from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Giselle Agyare and the UK’s Northern Ghana Attaché, Paul Edwards as Ghana’s Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia opened the new Tamale International Airport.

The UK government provided backing for the Tamale Airport project through its Ghanaian arm, UK Export Finance (UKEF).

The airport's anticipated impact includes enhancing connectivity within the nation and the West African vicinity, alongside fostering economic development in northern Ghana. This will be achieved by facilitating increased exports of regional agricultural commodities like shea butter, cashew nuts, and mangoes.

Interacting with the media after the ceremony, Mrs Thompson said the expansion of the Tamale International Airport would galvanise investment and growth across the northern part of Ghana.

“Tamale and this whole area of the country are now connected to markets across the continent and the world.

“We also recognise the strength of the UK-Ghana economic partnership.

“This project was driven by the UK-Ghana Business Council, financed through UK Export Finance and built by British companies working alongside Ghanaian companies,” she said.

Led by UK Company QGMI UK, the project has already provided jobs for more than 500 people, seen 2000 trees planted across the site and seen the implementation of a Livelihood Restoration Plan by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), to adequately compensate landowners and users and support them in restoring their primarily land-based livelihoods.

The UK Minister for Exports, Lord Offord said: “Strengthening local infrastructure is key to supporting Ghana’s economic recovery.

“It’s fantastic to see the completed transformation of Tamale airport, backed by UK Export Finance and UK construction companies, which will create more travel options around the country, boost local jobs and generate further opportunities for businesses to invest.”

The new expansion will increase tourism to and from the North with a particular focus on the Hajj, benefitting Hajj pilgrims as the new Multipurpose Facility will serve as a terminal building during the Hajj Season.

The project was initiated by the UK-Ghana Business Council, since its formation in 2018.

The Council has supported more than £223m of investment in infrastructure across the country and created opportunities for both UK and Ghanaian businesses.

Next April, London will host the 2024 UK-African Investment Summit, bringing together political and business leaders, as well as representatives of international and regional organisations from the UK and African countries, including Ghana, as a further boost to trade and investment.

The UK Export Finance is the UK’s export credit agency and a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.