Prempeh I International Airport: History, Modernization, and Strategic Growth

Located in the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Prempeh I International Airport—formerly known as Kumasi Airport—has evolved from a wartime airstrip into a critical hub for domestic and regional air travel. As Ghana’s second busiest airport after Kotoka International Airport in Accra, it plays a vital role in linking the cultural and economic capital of the Ashanti region with the rest of the country and beyond.

From Colonial Military Base to Civilian Airport

The airport’s origins date back to 1943, during World War II, when it was established as a military air base by the British colonial authorities. Its strategic location in Kumasi made it a key site for military logistics and operations in West Africa during the war.

After the war, the airstrip saw occasional civilian use but remained under military management for several decades. It wasn’t until 1999 that the facility was officially opened to full civilian use, ushering in a new chapter as Kumasi Airport.

Renaming to Honour Ashanti Royal Legacy

In 2024, the airport was officially renamed Prempeh I International Airport, in honour of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, the 13th king of the Ashanti Kingdom. He is widely remembered for his resistance to British colonial rule and his leadership during a tumultuous period in Ghana’s history. The renaming was not only symbolic but also part of a broader effort to emphasize cultural identity and regional pride.

Expansion and Modernization

Since the early 2000s, Prempeh I International Airport has undergone extensive redevelopment in multiple phases:

• Phase 1 (completed in 2014): Included the resurfacing and extension of the existing runway and improved terminal amenities to support growing passenger volumes.

• Phase 2 (completed in 2022): Featured the construction of a new, modern passenger terminal designed to process up to 800,000 passengers annually, complete with check-in counters, baggage handling systems, security screening areas, and arrival facilities.

• Ongoing upgrades: Further upgrades include the installation of advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) to support landings in poor weather and low visibility, increasing safety and reliability for both domestic and international flights.

The government also launched a plan to extend the runway to 2,320 meters, allowing it to handle larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. This runway upgrade is a critical part of the airport's future strategy to attract international carriers and facilitate direct flights beyond West Africa.

Passenger Growth and Economic Relevance

In 2024, Prempeh I International Airport handled over 453,000 passengers, making it the second busiest airport in Ghana. It serves as a key transit point for government officials, business travelers, tourists, and pilgrims visiting Kumasi’s many cultural landmarks, including the Manhyia Palace and Kejetia Market.

The airport’s steady growth has created jobs, boosted local businesses, and positioned Kumasi as an increasingly important destination for investment and regional commerce.

Vision for the Future

The transformation of Prempeh I International Airport reflects Ghana’s broader vision to decentralize air travel and ease congestion at Kotoka International Airport. By developing Kumasi into a second international gateway, the government hopes to balance regional development and increase Ghana’s overall connectivity.

Once the extended runway is complete and additional infrastructure improvements are in place, Prempeh I International Airport is expected to begin serving direct international flights, particularly to neighboring West African countries and possibly to key Middle Eastern and European destinations.

In the long term, the airport is poised to support cargo transport, regional trade, and tourism as part of Ghana’s national aviation development strategy.

Prempeh I International Airport stands today as more than just a regional airport—it is a symbol of heritage, ambition, and regional transformation. With its deep historical roots, cultural significance, and modern infrastructure, it represents the future of Ghanaian aviation beyond the capital.