Why the Prempeh I Airport Runway Expansion Missed Its Year-End Deadline
Key Points
- 1The Prempeh I Airport runway expansion missed its promised year-end 2025 completion deadline, despite being reported as 90% complete in September 2025.
- 2The project extends the runway from 1,981 meters to 2,320 meters to accommodate medium-sized aircraft and enable full Kumasi international flight operations.
- 3The delay challenges the government's 24-hour economy policy, which relies on the airport's full operational capacity and extended hours.
- 4A revised official completion date for the critical runway work has not been publicly announced by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) or government officials.
The runway expansion at Prempeh Asante Agyemang I International Airport (KMS) in Kumasi is still ongoing. This confirms the John Mahama administration missed its stated year-end completion deadline. The project was intended to be finished by the end of 2025.
In September 2025, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced the work was “90% complete.” The Minister assured the public that completion was expected “by the end of the year.”
However, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, confirmed the delay. On January 9, 2026, he posted an update following an inspection. The inspection included the Board and Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Project Scope and Delays
The expansion is a critical component of the airport’s Phase Three upgrade. The goal is to extend the existing 1,981-meter (6,502-foot) runway. The final length is planned to be 2,320 meters (7,612 feet).
This longer runway is necessary for medium-sized aircraft accommodation. It will allow jets like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 to operate. The upgrade is vital for supporting full Kumasi international flight operations.
Contracta Construction UK Ltd. is the project contractor. The overall development aims to position the Ashanti Region as a key regional aviation and logistics hub.
Neither official provided a revised completion date for the runway expansion. This leaves the timeline for full international service uncertain.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The delay poses a challenge to the government’s broader economic strategy. The airport upgrade is linked to President John Dramani Mahama’s vision. This vision includes modernizing infrastructure and expanding regional connectivity.
Furthermore, the delay impacts the government’s 24-hour economy policy. This policy seeks to boost round-the-clock economic activity. To support this, night operations at Prempeh I Airport were already extended. The operational hours moved from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tamale International Airport also saw its night operations extended.
Full utilization of the airport’s new terminal depends on the runway. The new terminal can handle 800,000 passengers annually. Completing the runway is essential to attract the regional carriers needed for sustained international flight operations. The runway completion deadline missed signals potential further delays in realizing the airport’s full potential. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
- The runway extension from 1,981m to 2,320m is crucial. It will allow larger, medium-sized aircraft accommodation.
- The delay directly impacts the commencement of full international services. This affects the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
- No revised completion date has been announced by the government or the Ghana Airports Company Limited.
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