By Abdulai Zulkaninu – December 31, 2025
The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-kunu Jewu Soale I, has appealed to the Government of Ghana to consider constructing an airport in the Savannah Region to enhance development and connectivity.
The appeal was made through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a working visit to the Jakpa Palace in Damongo. The visit formed part of activities marking the commissioning of the Savannah Regional Passport Application Centre.
The Yagbonwura assured government of the availability of suitable land within the Gonja Kingdom for the proposed airport, stating that the kingdom is ready to support the initiative whenever government is prepared to commence the project.
He expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the timely establishment of the Passport Application Centre in the region, describing it as a major boost to access public services.
Responding, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa thanked the Overlord for the warm reception and noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is decentralising passport services across seven regional capitals, including Damongo.
He commended President Mahama for his vision of bringing passport application services closer to the people and assured the Yagbonwura that his request for an airport would be conveyed to the President.
The Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted President Mahama’s track record in airport development, citing the construction of the Ho Airport, the upgrading of the Kumasi and Tamale airports, and the development of Terminal Three at the Kotoka International Airport. He also disclosed that passports issued at the Savannah Regional Passport Application Centre are chip-embedded and equipped with modern international security features.
Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Bi-Awuribe, praised the establishment of the centre, noting that it would significantly reduce travel time and cost for residents seeking passport services. Similarly, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Hajia Zuwera Ibrahimah, appealed for the creation of a satellite passport centre in her constituency to ease the burden on applicants who travel long distances to Damongo.
As part of the commissioning ceremony, seven applicants received their passports directly from the Minister and his delegation.
The event was attended by traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, as well as youth and women groups from across the region.
