Traditional chiefs in the Bono East Region have petitioned the government to construct an airport in Techiman, highlighting its strategic position as Ghana’s geographic centre and a bustling transit hub for travellers nationwide and beyond.
Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pemtemprem II, Nifahene of the Techiman Traditional Area, appealed during his keynote address as chairman at the official launch of the Techiman Passport Office on Tuesday. He emphasised the surging passenger traffic through Techiman, where thousands daily funnel to Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, and international destinations. “Techiman’s central location offers unmatched advantages for all passengers, reducing travel times and easing congestion on our roads,” Nana Boakye stated, urging swift action to harness this potential.
The Nifahene also raised pressing local challenges, calling for improved link roads to combat chronic traffic jams, reliable potable water supplies in newly developed areas, and completion of the promised ultra-modern Techiman Market. These infrastructure gaps, he noted, hinder economic growth in Ghana’s food basket, which is known for its yam, maize, and vegetable production.
In response, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, assured the gathering that the government remains committed to addressing these concerns. “We will prioritise the mentioned challenges, including road networks, water systems, and market development, to boost development in Bono East,” he pledged, linking the passport office launch to broader efforts in enhancing travel and trade facilitation.
Beyond connectivity, an airport in Techiman would unlock transformative benefits. It would spur economic diversification by attracting investments in tourism, agribusiness, and manufacturing, creating thousands of jobs in aviation, hospitality, and logistics. Emergency medical evacuations would improve, while cargo flights could expedite exports of regional produce to global markets, stabilising farmer incomes. Environmentally, it promotes efficient air travel over road dependency, cutting carbon emissions from long-haul trucking. For students and families like those in nearby Kumasi, it means quicker access to educational hubs and family reunions.
This petition aligns with Ghana’s aviation expansion, mirroring successes in Tamale and Ho. As Bono East’s population swells, the government now faces mounting pressure to act.
About The Author
