President Mahama Announces New Wa Airport Construction and Launches SheaPark Resource Hub to Drive Northern Development

President John Dramani Mahama has announced the construction of a new airport in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana's aviation and regional development strategy. This project is facilitated by the parliamentary approval of the Airport Infrastructure Levy Bill, which introduces a dedicated levy on both domestic and international flight tickets. This sustainable funding mechanism is designed to support the Ghana Airports Company in upgrading and expanding aviation infrastructure nationwide, ensuring that regional hubs meet modern safety and operational standards.

Speaking at the launch of the SheaPark Resource Hub, President Mahama explained that the existing airport facility in Wa is no longer suitable for modern aviation needs. Due to technical and spatial limitations at the current site, the government and the Ghana Airports Company have identified a new location to host the facility. Officials have already conducted site assessments to prepare for construction. The new airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate faster travel for business and tourism, and provide a necessary boost to the economic landscape of the Upper West Region.

Parallel to the aviation announcement, the President inaugurated the SheaPark Resource Hub Project, a strategic initiative aimed at industrializing the shea sector in northern Ghana. This project focuses on value addition, featuring processing units, training centers, and support facilities. It is projected to empower over 7,000 women and create significant job opportunities for the youth. During the ceremony, Mahama emphasized the importance of protecting shea trees and encouraged ethical charcoal production, highlighting the hub as a model for sustainable agro-industrial ecosystems that support the rural economy.

These domestic infrastructure and economic initiatives coincide with a period of intensive international diplomacy for the President. Following his activities in Wa, President Mahama is scheduled to attend the World Governments Summit in Dubai and conduct a State Visit to Zambia. These engagements are aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment, and advancing Ghana's leadership role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Together, the infrastructure investments in Wa and the President's diplomatic outreach signal a comprehensive approach to fostering both local growth and international cooperation.