John Dramani Mahama plans airstrips for regions without airports

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to construct airstrips in regions currently lacking operational commercial airports to improve emergency air travel and medical evacuations. Speaking during a recent visit from regional chiefs, the President highlighted the necessity of providing critical air access to underserved areas. This initiative is designed to ensure that life-saving interventions are not delayed by geographic isolation or the absence of large-scale aviation infrastructure.

The Western North Region, which currently operates without a commercial airport, has been designated as a key beneficiary of the project. Each proposed airstrip is expected to be approximately two kilometers in length and will be equipped with a small control office to manage aircraft operations. These facilities will serve as vital landing sites for aircraft during medical emergencies, allowing for the swift transport of patients to tertiary healthcare facilities in the country's urban centers.

President Mahama emphasized that the focus of this project is strictly on regions that do not already possess operational airports. By prioritizing these locations, the government aims to bridge the infrastructure gap in emergency response services. The President noted that regions with existing airports do not require these specific facilities, as the goal is to create an essential safety net for areas that currently have no air transport options during critical situations.

This infrastructure development represents a commitment to enhancing the nation's healthcare delivery system through improved logistics. By establishing these airstrips, the administration intends to reduce the travel time required for critical medical cases, potentially saving lives by bypassing road transport limitations. The project underscores a broader strategy to decentralize essential services and ensure that every region has the infrastructure necessary to respond to urgent humanitarian needs.