International Airport planned for Takoradi
20 November 2008
The government is currently considering plans to build an airport of international standard to take bigger aircraft in the twin-city of Sekondi/Takoradi, the Ministry of Aviation has hinted.

 
This would accommodate the anticipated traffic to the metropolis as a result of the oil find. Plans are also underway to expand the Takoradi seaport in readiness for the oil business. The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joe

 
Joe Baidoo-Ansah, who announced this during an inspection of the Takoradi Airport, said the government was leaving no stone unturned in its quest to take advantage of ancillary businesses incidental to the oil find.

 
He said work had commenced on the permanent "approach and runway lights” for the Takoradi Airport to position it well as plans to construct a bigger airport were being considered.

 
The minister said the lights when completed would enhance visibility for landing not only at night but also during bad weather.

 
The minister said the overwhelming interest shown in the development of the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis and the region as a whole due to the oil find had brought to the fore the need to be proactive.

 
At the moment, he said, the ministry was considering the creation of a civil passenger terminal at the Takoradi Airport to separate the military and civilian facilities.

 
Mr. Joe Baidoo-Ansah said work on the grooving of the runway was almost complete and that the ministry was also working on the security issues to avert human and animal intrusion at the airport.

 

He expressed concern that people walk across the airfield and promised that the ministry would do anything possible to ensure the airport was completed.

 
The minister implored the residents around to desist from acts that pose security threats at the airport.

 
He gave the assurance that the fencing would be completed to ensure maximum security.
Source:Daily Graphic