Interview: Nyeya Yen speaks on proposed Upper East Airport

The proposed Upper East Regional Airport in Bolgatanga has ignited a heated debate about its priority and viability. On one hand, proponents argue that the airport will drive development, boost regional trade, and improve accessibility.

On the other hand, opponents emphasize the region’s pressing needs, such as basic education, roads, health infrastructure, peace, and water.

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Airport Company to explore funding options through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) module with mining companies in the region. This move aims to bring in the necessary investment to make the project a reality.

Mike 105.3 FM posed three key questions to Social Justice Advocate Nyeya Yen on the proposed airport project, seeking to shed more light on the initiative and its potential impact on the region.

1. Is the airport a priority project for the region?

Nyeya’s response: “The airport has been on the drawing board for so long. It is definitely championed by the top middle classes in the region and those who have regular businesses in the region. Whether it is a priority for the region is another question. If you look at the needs of the region, for example, the complete breakdown of basic education in the region that has made parents opt for private education for their children, you will say it is not a priority. If you look at our roads, even the main one from Tamale to Burkina, you will argue that we should not spend the money and improve our road network, including the town roads. If you feel the need to rehabilitate our dams, you will argue that money should not be spent here at an airport. If you look at our health infrastructure, should we not spend the money on urgent needs than building an airport when we have one in Tamale and with good roads is barely two hours away on lorries? The region is dying for so many things that, taking into these needs, one can argue for using the money for more pressing needs. If we also want an airport, it is important to also see whether it can be a big airport that can allow transportation of heavy goods and equipment to Bolga. If it is just for light planes to drop our top middle classes and make life comfortable for them I will say it is not a priority. If it is to enable mining companies to carry out gold away I will say we don’t need such an airport. Taking into account the experience of Tamale, what can we say an airport will do for us.”

2. Will an airport in the region be viable?

Nyeya’s response: “We have to look at the viability. I understand a number of airports in Ghana are not viable. If it is just to drop our people with light planes as it happens in Tamale it will not be viable. However, if it is built in such a way that planes can bring heavy goods to Bolga onwards across our borders, it can be viable. However, we have to ask ourselves, where are those planes that will carry the heavy goods from Ghana ports to Bolga? This will be a long way off.

3. What’s your take on the proposed PPP agreement with mining companies?

Nyeya’s response: “PPP is a good idea to build the airport. I do not like the emphasis on also engaging mining companies to take away the gold. The President and the Regional Minister should be talking about engaging the mining companies for a bigger share of the wealth for mining communities and Ghana that they are extracting and not enabling them to take the wealth away. If the mining companies can contribute to the airport, it is okay, and the airport should be wholly owned and controlled by the Ghana government.

As the discussion surrounding the Upper East Regional Airport continues, it is clear that a balanced approach is needed. The government must carefully consider the region’s development needs, the airport’s viability, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of the project. By doing so, they can create a sustainable and equitable solution that benefits the people of the Upper East Region.

Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | Alexander Bombande