Paga Youth urges government to upgrade Paga/Navrongo airstrip into regional Airport
PAYOM emphasized that the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip already has foundational infrastructure, making it a financially prudent alternative to developing a new airport.
The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) has renewed calls for the upgrade of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a full-fledged regional airport, citing its strategic location, cost-effectiveness, and potential to drive economic growth in the Upper East Region.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, Desmond Ayambire Abire, PAYOM’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized that the Paga/ Navrongo Airstrip already has foundational infrastructure, making it a financially prudent alternative to developing a new airport.
“Given that the government now seeks private sector participation, we believe investors will find greater value in upgrading an existing airstrip than starting from scratch,” Abire stated.
The group highlighted the airstrip’s proximity to Burkina Faso, describing it as a potential hub for cross-border trade, tourism, and regional integration. They also cited its strategic importance for national security.
PAYOM expressed disappointment over the lack of follow-up after regional chiefs previously petitioned then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The group criticized the absence of technical assessments or consultations with traditional authorities regarding the airstrip’s potential.
They called on the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to conduct a thorough technical evaluation of the Paga/Navrongo site, similar to the assessment done at the Anateem site, which is currently earmarked for development.
In a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and private sector stakeholders, PAYOM urged immediate action.
“We respectfully urge the government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to consider upgrading the existing Paga/Navrongo Airstrip as the most practical and financially prudent option for an airport in the Upper East Region,” the group said.
They also invited private investors to “seize this golden opportunity” for a high-return investment requiring minimal capital.
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