18 August 2026

Ghana’s New Bolgatanga Airport to Be Completed in 24 Months

President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the site of a new regional airport near Bolgatanga, set to be completed within 24 months as part of a wider push to expand regional aviation in Ghana.

President John Dramani Mahama and officials walking the proposed site of the new Bolgatanga airport

Why this article matters
The proposed Upper East Regional Airport would give the region direct air access for both passengers and cargo, reducing its reliance on Tamale Airport and improving links with Accra. The planned 2,200-metre runway, cargo capability and initial terminal capacity of 100,000 passengers a year are intended to support regional mobility while opening faster transport options for agricultural produce and mining output.

The project also has a wider economic-development component through the proposed Airport City, which is intended to stimulate investment and commercial activity around the airport. Importantly, the project has not yet reached construction: procurement and final approvals are expected by October 2026, with works planned to begin before the end of the year.

Of Interest
- The proposed airport site is near Sumbrungu in Ghana’s Bolgatanga Municipality, Upper East Region.
- The airport is planned with a 2,200-metre runway for domestic commercial jets and cargo flights.
- The scalable terminal is designed for an initial capacity of 100,000 passengers annually.
- Plans include an adjacent Airport City intended to stimulate commercial and economic activity.
- Cargo operations are expected to support the movement of agricultural produce and allow mining companies to transport gold bullion directly to Accra.
- Residents currently travel approximately 160 kilometres to Tamale to access air services, or face an approximately 11-hour bus journey to Accra.
- Procurement and final project approvals are expected by October 2026.
- Construction is planned to begin before the end of 2026, with the project targeted for completion within 24 months.
- The development forms part of a wider regional aviation programme that also includes proposed airport projects at Wa and Sunyani.

President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the proposed site for a new regional airport near Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality, marking the start of his two-day Resetting Ghana tour of the Upper East Region.

The project, set to be completed within 24 months, will include a 2,200-metre runway designed for domestic commercial jets and cargo flights. It will also feature a scalable terminal building with an initial annual capacity of 100,000 passengers and an adjacent modern Airport City.

Addressing local leaders and residents, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, led by Naba Clifford Tandegrewangrekugre Asobayire V, Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, for donating land for the project. He described the development as an important step towards improving air connectivity, trade and economic growth across the northern belt.

President Mahama said the proposed Airport City was intended to create additional value around the airport and stimulate economic activity.

Designed for both passenger and cargo traffic, the airport is expected to support local commerce by facilitating the transport of agricultural produce from the region’s farming areas and enabling local mining companies to transport gold bullion directly to Accra.

The President said the facility would also reduce the travel burden on residents who currently have to travel about 160 kilometres to Tamale to catch a flight or undertake an 11-hour bus journey to Accra.

He described the project as a major economic catalyst and encouraged contractors to complete it ahead of schedule. Procurement and final approvals are expected by October 2026, with construction planned to begin before the end of the year.

The Bolgatanga development forms part of a broader national initiative to strengthen regional aviation, alongside airport projects earmarked for Wa in the Upper West Region and Sunyani in the Bono Region.

Accompanying the President were senior government officials, including Ghana Airports Company Board Chairman James Agalga; Minister for Local Government Designate and MP for Bawku Central Mahama Ayariga; Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu; the Upper East Regional Minister; and several local Members of Parliament and appointees.