Secondi-Takoradi Airport (Western)

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport: Strategic Aviation Hub of Ghana’s Western Region

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport, situated in the twin city metropolis of Sekondi-Takoradi, is one of Ghana’s oldest and most strategically important airports. Located in the Western Region, this airport serves a dual role as both a military airbase and a civilian airport, supporting national defense, the country’s growing oil and gas industry, and increasing regional tourism.

As the only major airport in southwestern Ghana, Sekondi-Takoradi Airport plays a vital role in linking the region’s industries, ports, and communities to the rest of the country.

Historical Background and Military Use

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport was established during World War II, primarily by the British Royal Air Force as part of the Takoradi Air Base. Its original purpose was to serve as a refueling and maintenance hub for Allied aircraft traveling across Africa and to the European and Asian theaters of war. Aircraft were shipped from the United Kingdom to the Takoradi Port, assembled locally, and flown via the "Takoradi Route" through Sudan and Egypt to the Middle East and North Africa.

Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, the airport became the base for the Ghana Air Force's Western Command and remains an active military installation to this day. It continues to support surveillance operations, training exercises, and regional security missions.

Civilian Operations and Facilities

Despite its primary military designation, Sekondi-Takoradi Airport has long supported civilian operations, particularly domestic commercial flights between Takoradi and Accra. Over the years, the airport has seen renovation and limited expansion to accommodate this dual-purpose use.

Current facilities include:

• A runway of approximately 1,750 meters, suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft

• A modest passenger terminal for domestic check-in and boarding

• Limited commercial services and amenities for travelers

• Military air hangars and restricted zones managed by the Ghana Air Force

The airport is overseen by the Ghana Airports Company Limited for its civilian operations, while the military aspects remain under the jurisdiction of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Economic Role: Oil, Trade, and Port Access

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport is located within a critical industrial corridor. The Takoradi Harbour—Ghana’s oldest commercial port—is just a few kilometers away, making the airport a vital support point for:

• The oil and gas industry, particularly offshore operations in the Western Region (Jubilee, TEN, and other oil fields)

• Logistics and cargo movement, especially equipment and personnel for energy and maritime sectors

• Trade activities linked to the harbor and Takoradi Free Zones Enclave, a growing export processing and logistics hub

With the discovery of oil in commercial quantities off Ghana’s coast in 2007, the airport became especially important for transporting engineers, technical teams, and equipment to and from Accra and international connections. Several charter flights and private jet operations related to the oil sector are regularly conducted through the airport.

Tourism Potential

Beyond industry and defense, the Western Region is rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, and Sekondi-Takoradi Airport has the potential to act as a springboard for domestic and regional tourism. Key attractions in the area include:

• Beaches along the Atlantic coast, such as Busua, Axim, and Butre, popular with both locals and international tourists

• Fort Metal Cross in Dixcove and Fort Apollonia in Beyin, remnants of the colonial and slave trade eras

• Nzulezu Stilt Village, a UNESCO-listed cultural site built entirely on water

• Cape Three Points, the southernmost tip of Ghana, offering ecological and scenic experiences

• Ankasa Conservation Area, one of Ghana’s most biodiverse rainforests

With improved infrastructure and consistent air service, the region could become a more accessible alternative to the Central Region’s Cape Coast-Elmina route.

Challenges and Future Potential

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport, despite its importance, has several limitations:

• The short runway restricts it from accommodating larger aircraft or direct international flights

• Limited terminal space and lack of advanced passenger amenities

• Its dual-use nature (military and civilian) places some restrictions on expansion and airspace management

However, discussions have been ongoing about the construction of a new international airport or the upgrade of the current facility, especially to support increasing demand from the oil sector and tourism.

The proposed Western Regional Airport City would include enhanced airport infrastructure, hospitality services, and cargo processing facilities. If realized, this would align with national plans to make Ghana a regional air transport and logistics hub beyond Accra and Kumasi.

Conclusion

Sekondi-Takoradi Airport is a multi-purpose aviation hub with deep historical roots and modern relevance. Serving military, commercial, industrial, and tourism functions, it reflects Ghana’s regional diversity and economic ambitions. With further investment and strategic planning, the airport could become a full-fledged regional gateway—supporting not only oil and gas logistics, but also international tourism, trade, and national security. As Ghana continues to expand its aviation infrastructure, Sekondi-Takoradi Airport will remain a critical piece of the country's transportation network.