President Mahama Cuts Sod for the Construction of KIA Terminal Three Building…
The aviation sector over the years world-wide, has seen some significant growth which has boosted economies world-wide in terms of revenue generation and the creation of jobs. Ghana has not been left out of this significant growth as it is also striving hard to make significant progress within the sector.
Ghana’s aviation sector continues to enjoy and contribute significantly to the economic growth of the country through wealth and employment generation.
Ghana, last week took a major step in its commitment to boost the aviation sector. His Excellency President John Mahama, with the kind support of the president of Turkey- Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut sod for the construction of the terminal 3 building at the Kotoka International Airport.
President Mahama reiterated his government’s commitment to ensure that the aviation sector did not lag behind in the international growth the aviation sector is experiencing globally.
“The sector continues to grow steadily and government is committed to providing the necessary support to the sector to expend and enhance our aviation infrastructure and services to match the expected growth in demand for aviation services” he said.
According to the President, there was every indication that a strong aviation sector will boost Ghana’s economic potential and will make it more productive, effective and efficient as a result of global competition.
President Mahama, referred to the project as “timely” associating it with government’s commitment and policy to rehabilitate and modernize aviation infrastructure in the country. The construction of one aerodrome in every region to open up the country economically and also facilitate medical and emergency services is one of such aims of government.
The president didn’t fail to project the government’s plan to set up a new national airline under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement to support the policy objective of making the Kotoka International Airport an aviation hub in the sub region and the continent at large.
Financing of the terminal three building was solely done by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) and the president was quick to laud them and also boast to the world what Ghanaian public companies were capable of doing and have asked other state institutions to emulate the shiny example of the GACL.
The president urged the project contractors-MAPA, to do a good and diligent job and advised them against delays and cost overruns but also expressed his confidence in the ability of the Turkish company to deliver a quality job.
The ultra-modern facility which will be constructed at a cost of US$250m will include, a five level facility expanding up to 45,000 square meters and a capacity to process 1,250 passengers per hour, six boarding bridges, a large retail and commercial area and three business lounges capable of handling 5 million passengers a year.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2017.
“I wish to reiterate government’s determination to provide the necessary enabling environment for the air travel industry to grow to internationally acclaimed levels” President Mahama said in conclusion.
By David Acquah
