Prioritise upgrade of Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into regional airport - Paga Youth Movement to Mahama

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) is urging President John Dramani Mahama to upgrade the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip. They want it developed into a regional airport for the Upper East Region. PAYOM believes this is the most cost-effective and viable option.

At a press conference in Paga, the youth group thanked President Mahama. They appreciated his directive to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) for a Public-Private Partnership model. However, they expressed concern that discussions are ignoring the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip's historical significance.

PAYOM's statement, signed by Desmond Ayambire Abire, highlighted their worries. They noted that recent comments from officials favor a new site at Anateem. This location is 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border.

The group criticized media coverage as biased against the existing airstrip. They claimed there has been no assessment of the Paga/Navrongo site. This lack of evaluation undermines transparency in public investment decisions.

They questioned why proximity to Burkina Faso supports Anateem when Paga is also on the border. The group argued that Paga’s location is strategic for trade and security.

The Paga/Navrongo Airstrip was built in 1939 for military use and has served Ghana for over 80 years. Previous feasibility studies confirmed its viability as a domestic airport. PAYOM stated that upgrading an existing airstrip offers better value than building anew.

They outlined several reasons to upgrade the airstrip:

1. Proximity to Burkina Faso: It would enhance trade with Sahelian countries.
2. Boost to Tourism: Major attractions like the Paga Crocodile Pond would benefit.
3. Enhanced Security: Faster deployment of security forces would improve safety.
4. Cultural Integration: A regional airport would foster exchanges with Francophone neighbors.

In June 2020, ten paramount chiefs petitioned then-President Nana Akufo-Addo for upgrades to the airstrip. PAYOM feels recent discussions have ignored these traditional leaders' advocacy.

PAYOM urges GACL to compare both sites objectively before making decisions. They offered full cooperation for site visits and evaluations.

They also called on private investors to consider upgrading existing facilities instead of building new ones. “We urge President Mahama to prioritize the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip,” they said, emphasizing its strategic importance.

Finally, PAYOM stressed their advocacy aims for fairness and transparency in decision-making processes. “We have remained silent too long,” they stated, calling for clarity in public investments.

The movement stands ready to support efforts toward establishing an airport in Upper East Region while maximizing existing assets’ potential.