The new Patriotic Party (NPP) has kicked against government�s move to upgrade the Tamale Airport into an international airport, describing it as a misplaced priority riding on the wheels of pork-barreled politics.
Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE, the Eastern regional 1st vice chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Omar Bodinga, explained that even though the expansion of the airport is important, it is not of much importance than road networks connecting the northern part of the country to the southern part which are in a very deplorable state.
He said the government should have sourced funds to complete the Accra to Kumasi Highway first since the number of people who ply the road far outnumber that of the airport, adding that, the highway is very important to both Ghanaians and some West African neighbours who have for years bitten the bullet to ply the deplorable road to transport goods and services.
According to Alhaji Bodinga, the government is desperate to redeem its image due to its abysmal performance which has led to loss of confidence among Ghanaians, hence, hastily breaking grounds to commence projects without recourse to priority.
Last week the ground breaking ceremony for the commencement of work on the expansion project of the Tamale Airport into an international airport took place.
Phase one of the expansion programme would include installation of Aeronautical Ground Lightening and would be able to accommodate Boeing 747 up to Boeing 800 series of aircraft.
The $100 million project would also extend and expand the runway up to 4,000 metres with additional aprons and perimeter road and security fence. Plans were also disclosed to establish mini airports in Bolgatanga, Ho and Cape Coast.
However, the Eastern regional first vice chairman of the NPP believes construction of airports is not part of major problems facing Ghanaians.
He explained that the deplorable nature of road networks in the Eastern region and other parts of the country is a problem for Ghanaians; hence, urgent action must be taken to fix the roads.
He stressed that the bad nature of roads in the country is having negative impact on the economy since many farmers, market women and well-meaning businessmen are unable to bring their produce and products to the market.
Alhaji Bodinga added that the poor are worse affected with bad nature of roads; therefore, the government is being insensitive to the poor by neglecting a number of poor roads in the region and other parts of the country and focusing on construction of airports.
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