SONA 2024: Kumasi International Airport redevelopment to be completed in May

Among the highlights was the imminent completion of the Kumasi International Airport redevelopment project, set to be fully operationalized by May this year.

With the airport project reaching a remarkable 98% completion rate, President Akufo-Addo emphasized its strategic importance in bolstering regional connectivity, tourism, and trade not only in the Ashanti Region but also across Ghana and beyond.

The government's steadfast commitment to finalizing this project underscores its vision to position the nation as a leader in aviation excellence on the African continent.

Also, the President announced that the Kumasi Airport will be named after the Asante Kingdom’s 13th monarch, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I.

Nana Prempeh I was enstooled as Asantehene in March 1888 with the stool name Nana Kwaku Dua III Asamu of Ashanti Empire. The name was later changed to Prempeh I.

Nana Agyemang Prempeh I was taken to the Seychelles Islands in January 1896 after surrendering to the British forces under the command of Sir Francis Scott.

Nana Agyemang Prempeh I had earlier won two battles over the British and was moved to the island with 50 others including his mother, three wives and his children.

For 28 years, he was held in captivity but released to Ghana in 1924 under a special arrangement with the British authority to return as an ordinary man.

Nana Agyemang Prempeh I died on 12 May 1931 and was succeeded by his heir apparent Prempeh II as Asantehene.

He was buried in Kumasi.

Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government projects.

''In March 2024, the government will launch a Performance Tracker, offering comprehensive details on all projects initiated since the NPP assumed power. This digital platform will empower citizens to monitor project progress, locations, and statuses in real-time, directly from their phones.''

Describing the Performance Tracker as a tool for accountability, President Akufo-Addo emphasized its role in curbing misinformation and ensuring the efficient utilization of public funds. Under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who spearheaded Ghana's digitalization efforts, this initiative aims to democratize access to information, enabling citizens to actively engage in governance processes.

The Performance Tracker will provide transparency across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and more. Citizens will have the ability to verify the status of roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, and other government projects, eliminating the dissemination of false information and enhancing public trust.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to digital transformation and citizen-centric governance.

The launch of the Performance Tracker will be a significant step towards fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusive development in Ghana's socio-economic landscape.