President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially opened the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi.
He was assisted in the ceremony by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The commissioning ceremony of the former Kumasi International Airport was attended by traditional authorities, government officials, and members of the New Patriotic Party.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Akufo-Addo said the transformation of the Kumasi Airport into an international airport had turned a vision into reality.
“This project is crucial for both the government and the people of the Ashanti Region. It will not only meet the needs of the region, but also serve as a symbol of development and progress. The airport will serve as an important gateway forging economic ties, supporting international trade and tourism, and promoting cultural exchange,” he said.
New name
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo explained his reason behind renaming the Kumasi Airport to Nana Agyeman Prempeh I International Airport.
He stated that the airport’s new name honours Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I for his significant contributions to shaping the destiny and future of the Ashanti people.
“The decision I made to rename Kumasi Airport after the 14th Asantehene was not a difficult one to make. One of Otumfuo Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s most notable achievements was his efforts to modernise and centralise the administration of the Asante kingdom, introduce reforms to the traditional governing structures, establishing a more centralised system of authority and strengthening the power of the Asantehene and his council of chiefs,” he said.
The President highlighted how Otumfuo Nana Agyeman Prempeh I streamlined governance, and enhanced the kingdom’s ability to respond to external threats and internal challenges. He added his leadership also led to periods of territorial expansion, bringing more communities under Ashanti rule and influence.
“Overall, Otumfuo Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s leadership during tumultuous period in Ashanti history helped to reinforce the foundations of the resilience and endurance of the kingdom. It also marked a period of Ashanti resistance led by him and the celebrated Ejisu Hemaa, Yaa Asantewaa, to fight colonial annexation of Ashanti,” the President stressed.
Respect
He stressed that renaming the airport signifies his government’s deep respect for Ghana’s traditional institutions. President Akufo-Addo also referenced the famous Sagrenti War between the Ashantis and the British, which resulted in Prempeh I’s exile.
He noted that the current airport premises were once Prempeh I’s final residence in Kumasi. In light of this historical significance, the President instructed the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to ensure the preservation of the premises as a historic site.
“Prempeh I is revered as a symbol of Ashanti pride, independence and sovereignty, and today through this ceremony, we are paying tribute to his legacy,” he said.
Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the Asantehene, the Juabenhene, Nana Otuo Siribuor II, expressed his gratitude to the President for completing the project.
“The operation of the airport is going to make travel cheaper for us because sometimes you get to Accra and due to bad weather, you cannot fly to Kumasi. You either have to lodge in a hotel or come to Kumasi by road. We are grateful to the President for fulfilling his promise to the good people of Ashanti,” Nana Otuo Siribuor II said.
For his part, the Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, explained that the commissioning of the terminal and its ancillary facilities, such as the radar and the control tower, did not mark the end of the work.
“We will commence full commercial operation at the terminal after completion of some works by the end of June. This will give us the opportunity to identify and correct any issue that may arise. Construction is still ongoing in relation to the taxi link and runway extension. The runway extension is expected to be completed between August and September,” he indicated.
“We had to commission the terminal to enable us to move in here after two months, so that it will give us the opportunity to break part of the old terminal and the old VIP which is part of the extension of the runway,” he explained.
