The proposed construction of a new airport in Wa has sparked differing views among political actors in the Lambussie Constituency of the Upper West Region, with the debate centering on whether the project is timely given other pressing development needs in the region.
The NPP Constituency Financial Secretary for Lambussie, Mr. Micheal Ngmenyele, believes a new airport for Wa is necessary but argues that the timing of the project is inappropriate.
According to him, the Upper West Region continues to face significant challenges, particularly in road infrastructure and healthcare facilities, which require urgent attention.
Mr. Ngmenyele also pointed to the relatively low patronage of air travel in the region, attributing it partly to the high cost of airfares. He therefore questioned the justification for committing substantial resources to a new airport when the existing facility could instead be maintained, upgraded and improved.
He argued that the construction of a new airport would involve considerable financial resources, suggesting that government could achieve better value by investing in the existing airport while addressing other critical infrastructure needs across the region.
However, the NDC Deputy Youth Organiser for Lambussie Constituency, Kamil Shakiru Tigwii, disagrees with the position that other development needs should delay the construction of a new airport.
Mr. Tigwii maintained that the Upper West Region should not have to put the airport project on hold because of competing development needs, arguing that the region deserves modern air transport infrastructure to facilitate movement and development.
He said access to an airport is important for reducing travel time, particularly for residents and businesses that need to travel between the Upper West Region and other parts of the country.
According to him, development needs cannot all be addressed simultaneously, and the existence of other challenges should therefore not be used as a reason to abandon or postpone the airport project.
Mr. Tigwii further argued that a new airport could serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region by boosting tourism, attracting investment and stimulating other economic activities.
The renewed debate comes ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s planned visit to the Upper West Region on 11th and 12th September 2026, during which the President is expected to inspect the proposed site for the new Wa Airport.
While supporters of the project see the new airport as an important long-term investment in the development of the Upper West Region, critics insist that government must carefully balance the project against immediate challenges in roads, healthcare and other essential infrastructure.
