By Eric Appah Marfo
On May 30, Accra – The Honorable Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who serves as the Minister of Transport, conducted a site visit to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) on Thursday. His purpose was to examine the progress being made on the current expansion and renovation projects taking place at Kotoka International Airport.
This visit is part of the administration’s larger plan to develop Ghana into a leading aviation center in the Western African region.
A key highlight of the visit was the strategic reconfiguration of Terminal 2, which is being repurposed to help ease congestion at Terminal 3, especially during peak travel hours.
Mr. Nikpe stated that the inspection was essential to progress beyond mere boardroom talks and guarantee that the development of aviation facilities adheres to the stipulated benchmarks and deadlines.
“We have been discussing ways to enhance and upgrade our airport infrastructure to establish greater regional and international connections,” he stated.
We can’t constantly remain in our offices discussing improvements without going out into the field.
Mr. Nikpe mentioned that the purpose of his visit was to personally assess how the contractors were carrying out their responsibilities, specifically focusing on the enlargement, building, and enhancement of current structures to accommodate increasing needs.
“We are examining their approach to construction and how they are enhancing the facilities, which will help establish us as the hub of West Africa,” he said additionally.
The Minister showed contentment with the progress of the work, calling it promising.
“Rehabilitation can often require substantial time, however, they have completed the initial stage and are now advancing to the next phase,” he remarked.
We remain optimistic that by the end of this year or sometime early next year, the entire facility will be completely refurbished and enlarged to better serve our travelers.
“If you go to Terminal 3 at peak times, you’ll see we’re experiencing congestion. To address this issue, I’ve redistributed traffic from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. Terminal 2 has been divided into two sections—one dedicated to domestic flights and another, which we’re presently in, catering to international routes,” he clarified.
Mr. Nikpe stated that the alteration would enable some of the traffic from Terminal 3 to be rerouted to Terminal 2, thereby offering additional room and enhanced comfort for travelers.
“This location has been revamped to serve international travelers, with the other section catering to our domestic guests,” he explained.
The aim is to relieve congestion at Terminal 3 and expand the airport’s capacity to handle increased numbers of travelers and freight.
During his visit, the Minister inspected the progress at the location where GACL’s new 11-story administrative headquarters is being built. This project is anticipated to finish in about two years.
The design is intended to accommodate offices, conference rooms, and versatile areas to facilitate smooth business activities.
He mentioned that the office project, which is now in its second stage, is a component of an extensive rehabilitation and enhancement initiative.
Mr. Nikpe ended his trip by interacting with the employees of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, praising them for their commitment to their responsibilities.
He encouraged them to maintain their dedication to providing high-quality services to travelers and all parties involved in the aviation industry.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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