Bono Region receiving its share of development projects – Bono Regional Minister at Meet-the-Press series

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The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene has mentioned the reopening of the Sunyani Airport will stimulate economic growth in the area when it resumes operations on Monday September 19, 2022.

This follows the commissioning of Phase I of renovation and growth works of the airport by President Akufo-Addo in August.

Madame Owusu-Banahene made the announcement when she took her turn at the Regional Minister’s meet-the-press series at the Ministry of Information premises on Thursday September 15, 2022, in Accra.

She mentioned the reopening of the airport will reduce the difficulties passengers travelling to and from the center belt of the nation endure.

“In October 2019, the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Airports Company Limited collectively funded the Phase One of the Airport Rehabilitation Project. I’m pleased to report that the Airport is prepared to be used and Passion Air is ready to make its maiden flight on Monday, 19th September 2022.

“While the reopening of the Airport will open up the economic growth potential of the region, as well as ease travelling time from Sunyani to Accra, which takes an average of between Eight (8) to Ten (10) Hours, we see this as an opportunity to promote eco and cultural tourism in the Bono Region and beyond. And for that, we are very grateful, Mr. President. Discussions are far advanced to conclude the Phase Two of the Project which will see a further extension of the runway as well as the building of a new terminal, among others,” she mentioned.

Touching on other infrastructure developments in the area, Madam Owusu-Banahene mentioned no authorities in the democratic dispensation of the nation has launched into huge infrastructure initiatives in her area than the authorities of President Akufo-Addo.

On roads, she said the Ghana Highways Authority was currently constructing 13 road projects totalling 342.3km, which include upgrading Menji-Bui road, Nkrankwanta-Kaase road and Sampa-Jinijini road. Roads inside the University of Energy and Natural Resource Campus are being upgraded as well as some selected routes in Sunyani East. Berekum-Koraso and Botokrom-Abrikaso roads are also receiving attention. This she mentioned will “improve greatly the socio-economic status of towns located along the various corridors in the region.”

With regards to health, Madame Owusu-Banahene mentioned in the previous 6 years, the area has seen the development and completion of 19 health amenities together with a 60-bed hospital in the Tain District, the Benkasa Health Center in the Berekum West District and 17 CHPS compounds.

She additionally indicated that there was important enhancement in the staffing ranges of key medical professionals in the area thus, impacting positively on the healthcare supply in the area. She mentioned that the doctor to patient ratio in the area improved to 1:10,395 in contrast to 1:14,896 some 6 years in the past. The midwife to women in fertility ratio age in 2021 was 1:372 compared to 1:1502 in 2016.

In the area of education, she disclosed that 78 academic projects have been initiated undertaken by the 12 Municipal and District Assemblies in the area. This consists of dormitories, libraries, school rooms, eating halls, administration blocks, workers quarters, science, and ICT facilities.

She urged potential investors to consider investing in the region, pointing out that the region was one of the cleanest in the country with many lucrative opportunities.