Tag: Ho Airport

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to repurpose the Ho Airport in the Volta Region as a premier pilot training school, aimed at serving aspiring aviators across West Africa.

Addressing clergy from the Volta Region during a courtesy call at the Jubilee House, President Mahama outlined the proposal as part of efforts to maximize the utilization of the Ho Airport.

“There is a proposal to use the Ho Airport as a pilot training school—a first-class facility for West Africa—where aspiring pilots can come to Ho for their training. This initiative will help us make better use of the airport. We are working on this plan to ensure its prompt implementation,” he stated.

President Mahama also took the opportunity to address the reasons behind the suspension of commercial flights to the airport.

“We built the Ho Airport with high expectations that it would become a major commercial route for our domestic airlines. Indeed, one of the airlines, Passion Air, began operations. Unfortunately, the traffic did not develop as quickly as expected, so they had to pause and reassess their strategy for the Volta Region,” he explained.

He noted that the airline had used two aircraft, one with a 70-passenger capacity and another with 50, but advised a shift to smaller aircraft to better match the demand. He expressed optimism that once the airline’s strategy is refined, flights to Ho may resume.

The proposal to establish a pilot training school is expected to breathe new life into the Ho Airport, positioning it as a key facility for developing aviation talent in the sub-region.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the airport’s value and contributing to regional growth.

Watch video below:

"There is the proposition to use the Ho Airport as a pilot training school, a first-class pilot training school for West Africa, so that young people who are interested in training as pilots will come to Ho and train at the Ho Airport." – Mahama#GraphicOnline pic.twitter.com/pH574ajenK

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 22, 2025

The Ho Airport, initially envisioned to catalyze economic growth in the Volta Region and surrounding areas, remains largely dormant nearly six years after its completion.

A recent visit to the facility revealed a well-maintained airport, but one that sees minimal activity. Since Passion Air ceased operations on the Accra route in March 2022, the airport has been virtually deserted, yearning for revitalization to offset the $25 million loan incurred during its development and cover ongoing operational expenses.

According to Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) data, approximately GH¢2.42 million has been spent on maintenance over the past two years, post-commercial operations suspension. The maintenance expenditure encompasses various services, including cleaning, landscaping, lighting, and equipment repairs.

Despite efforts to revive commercial flights, challenges such as aircraft technical issues, escalating operational costs, and low passenger numbers have hindered progress. While discussions with domestic airlines continue, there’s yet to be a breakthrough.

The Ho Airport, constructed between 2015 and 2018, boasts a 1,900-meter runway, terminal building, VIP facilities, and other essential amenities. However, its potential to spur trade, tourism, and employment remains largely untapped.

Local residents express disappointment over the airport’s underutilization, highlighting missed opportunities for economic advancement. Many eagerly await the resumption of commercial flights, recognizing the airport’s potential to alleviate transportation challenges and stimulate regional development.

In response to inquiries, GACL Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare affirmed ongoing efforts to engage airlines and explore alternative revenue-generating initiatives. Plans for an aviation training academy and maintenance center, in collaboration with Africa World Airlines (AWA), signal a proactive approach to leverage the airport’s infrastructure for broader industry benefits.

Despite current setbacks, stakeholders remain optimistic about the airport’s long-term prospects, emphasizing the need for sustained investment and strategic partnerships to unlock its full economic potential.