The UK government’s investment in northern Ghana, particularly the Tamale International Airport, according to British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson, will support economic growth in Ghana and increase tourism throughout the region.
According to her, the successful completion of the Tamale Airport Project demonstrated the benefits of the UK-Ghana partnership.
Thompson made these remarks on Tuesday during the Tamale International Airport Project’s Phase II opening.
The new Tamale International Airport was officially opened by Harriet Thompson alongside Giselle Agyare, the country director of the UK Department for Business and Trade, and Paul Edwards, the UK’s Northern Ghana Attaché, who was accompanied by Ghana’s vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The UK government provided funding for the Tamale Airport project in Ghana through UK Export Finance (UKEF).
By facilitating a larger export of regionally produced agricultural items like shea butter, cashew nuts, and mangoes, the airport is anticipated to boost economic growth in northern Ghana and improve connectivity throughout the nation and the West African region.
Speaking with the media following the event, Thompson predicted that the Tamale International Airport’s expansion would spur development and investment throughout Ghana’s northern region.
“Tamale and this entire region of the nation are now linked to markets on the continent and worldwide.
“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, benefiting Hajj pilgrims as the new Multipurpose Facility will serve as a terminal building during the Hajj Season.
The project has been initiated by the UK-Ghana Business Council, since its formation in 2018.
The Council has supported more than £223 million 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.
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.
