The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has appealed to John Dramani Mahama to rename the Tamale International Airport as Gbewaa International Airport.
His appeal comes in response to the renaming of the facility to Yakubu Tali International Airport ahead of the 2024 general elections, a decision that was taken without his endorsement.
This request was conveyed in a speech delivered on his behalf by Zangbalin Lana, Dr. Yakubu Mahama, during the President’s thank-you tour of the Northern Region on Saturday, March 22.
Beyond the call for renaming the airport, Yaa Naa Abukari II urged the government to commence Phase Three of the Tamale International Airport project, which has stalled following the completion of Phase Two.
He emphasized that the final phase, which includes the construction of a high terminal, is crucial to elevating the facility to a world-class standard.
“We want to entreat you to start Phase Three of the project so that the airport can handle all that it was intended to do, including ensuring the humane handling of our citizens. Such a huge investment must be appreciated by the people it serves.
In consultation with the Nayiri and the Bimbilla Naa, we want the airport to be renamed Gbewaa International Airport,” she stated.
Additionally, he called on the government to revive and complete outstanding E-Blocks in the region to improve educational infrastructure.
He also reminded the President of his campaign promise to establish a School of Surveying in honour of the Kumbungu Lana, a retired surveyor.
The overload further highlighted the deteriorating state of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul to ensure the facility delivers quality healthcare to residents of the Northern Region and beyond.
