Bolgatanga Airport (Upper East)

Bolgatanga Airport: Promise, Politics, and the Potential of Ghana’s Upper East Region

The proposal to construct an airport in Bolgatanga, the capital of Ghana’s Upper East Region, has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Promoted by successive governments as a strategic infrastructure project to boost economic development in northern Ghana, the Bolgatanga Airport remains, as of now, a planned but unrealized facility.

While supporters point to its potential to transform regional tourism, trade, and accessibility, critics argue the project has been driven more by political expediency than by rigorous feasibility studies. The project serves as a case study of the delicate balance between national development goals and the realities of local demand, planning, and sustainability.

A Politically Charged Promise

Calls for an airport in Bolgatanga date back over a decade, often resurfacing during election seasons. Various administrations—both from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—have included the project in their infrastructure pledges, citing the need to open up the Upper East Region to investment and national integration.

In 2020, discussions about securing land for the airport gained momentum, and local authorities began earmarking potential sites. Government representatives emphasized the strategic importance of aviation infrastructure to support the development of Ghana’s northern corridor.

However, as of mid-2025, no concrete construction has begun, and no comprehensive feasibility or environmental impact assessment has been publicly disclosed. Aviation experts and some civil society voices have raised concerns that the airport, if pursued without a clear economic and operational plan, risks becoming an expensive and underutilized asset—a so-called “white elephant.”

Viability Questions and Infrastructure Gaps

The Upper East Region, though rich in history and culture, has a relatively low population density and limited commercial traffic compared to regions like Ashanti, Western, or even Volta. Without robust passenger demand, regular commercial flights may struggle to be profitable.

In addition:

• Road travel from Tamale (which has an international airport) to Bolgatanga takes about 2.5–3 hours, raising questions about the urgency for a separate airport

• Airline operators have shown little interest in servicing such a route unless subsidized or incentivized

• Lack of cargo and logistics infrastructure in the region may limit potential for air freight or agro-export operations

These challenges underline the need for a transparent feasibility study before major investments are made. Such studies should assess the long-term demand, revenue models, environmental impact, and integration with national aviation strategies.

Business and Development Potential

Despite the concerns, the Upper East Region does have untapped economic potential. An airport in Bolgatanga—if strategically planned—could serve as a catalyst for:

• Cross-border trade with Burkina Faso and Togo, positioning Bolgatanga as a logistics hub for northern Ghana and its Sahelian neighbors

• Agribusiness and food processing, enabling faster transportation of perishable goods to southern Ghana or export markets

• Investment in light manufacturing, particularly in textiles and crafts, where the region has traditional expertise

Moreover, government decentralization efforts and donor-funded projects in agriculture, education, and healthcare could benefit from quicker travel links for officials, NGOs, and private sector actors.

Cultural and Eco-Tourism Potential

Tourism is arguably the most compelling reason to improve accessibility to the Upper East. The region is home to some of Ghana’s most unique cultural and historical sites, including:

• The Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine, a sacred pilgrimage site surrounded by dramatic rock formations and traditional cave dwellings

• The Paga Crocodile Pond, where locals interact peacefully with sacred crocodiles in a centuries-old spiritual tradition

• The Navrongo Cathedral, Ghana’s oldest Catholic cathedral, constructed from mud bricks with beautiful frescoes

• The Sirigu Women’s Art and Pottery Centre (SWOPA), known for vibrant mural art, basket weaving, and traditional architecture

An airport could significantly reduce travel time for both domestic and international tourists, who otherwise face long, often uncomfortable road journeys from Tamale or Accra.

Way Forward: Vision or Vanity?

If approached pragmatically, with full assessments and proper alignment to Ghana’s aviation master plan, a scaled, modular airport in Bolgatanga could indeed boost the region’s development. However, politicizing infrastructure projects without sustainability frameworks risks wasting public resources and undermining public trust.

To ensure success:

• The government must commission and publish feasibility studies, including traffic forecasts, cost-benefit analyses, and social impact reports

• Partnerships with the private sector and donor agencies can support funding, capacity-building, and market development

• Stakeholder consultation must include local chiefs, traders, tour operators, and airlines, ensuring the airport meets real regional needs

• A phased approach—starting with a basic airstrip or charter-service facility—could test demand before full-scale development

Conclusion

The idea of a Bolgatanga Airport is not without merit. It reflects a broader vision to bridge Ghana’s development divide between north and south. Yet vision without planning can quickly become illusion. If pursued carefully, grounded in data and local needs, the project could serve as a gateway to economic opportunity, tourism, and regional pride. If rushed or politically manipulated, however, it risks becoming another underused monument to missed potential.

In a region rich in history, culture, and untapped resources, the dream of flight should not be abandoned—but it must be earned through planning, prudence, and purpose.