The Ho Airport, envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth in the Volta Region and its environs, remains dormant nearly six years after completion, posing significant financial burdens to the state while failing to fulfill its intended purpose.
Recent observations of the facility reveal a well-maintained airport that has been rendered virtually inactive since Passion Air discontinued operations on the Accra route in March 2022. This cessation of commercial flights has transformed the airport into what locals describe as a ‘ghost town,' prompting concerns about its financial viability and the repayment of the $25 million loan secured for its construction.
Despite the lack of commercial activity, the airport continues to incur substantial maintenance costs, averaging GH¢1.21 million per year, according to data from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). Efforts to reignite commercial operations have faced numerous hurdles, including technical issues with aircraft, escalating operational expenses, and insufficient passenger demand.
Community members express disappointment over the airport's underutilization, highlighting missed opportunities for trade, tourism, and convenience in travel. The absence of commercial flights has negatively impacted local businesses, with transport service operators experiencing a decline in patronage.
In response to inquiries, the Managing Director of GACL outlined efforts to revitalize the airport through collaboration with Africa World Airlines (AWA) to establish an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) and pilot training academy. This initiative aims to attract commercial activities to the airport, potentially paving the way for the resumption of passenger flights.
However, industry experts caution that the challenges facing domestic airlines, including capacity constraints and profitability concerns, may hinder immediate plans to resume operations to Ho. They suggest that diversifying the airport's services beyond commercial flights could help sustain its operations and stimulate economic growth in the region.
As stakeholders explore avenues to breathe life into the Ho Airport, its future hinges on effective strategies to address operational obstacles and harness its potential as a vital transportation hub for the Volta Region.