Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has returned home after his United Kingdom trip where it emerged Ghana has secured funds from the UK government to execute the Tamale Airport expansion project, complete the Bekwai Hospital as well as initiate phase three of the Kumasi Central Market development project.
Dr. Bawumia stated the three projects will all be initiated this year adding that the support will deepen the cooperation between both countries.
The UK’s Minister for Africa, Hon Harriet Baldwin, also touched on the funding support on Tuesday, 26 February 2019 at the end of the second UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) Meetings held in London, UK.
The meetings, co-chaired by Mrs Baldwin and the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, brought together Ministers and other government officials from both countries as well as captains of industry to deliberate on ways to deepen business and other ties between the two countries.
“We will be backing the modernization of Kumasi Central Market with a total of 80 million Euros in support of this major trading centre. It’s visited by over 800,000 people every day and it will see upgrades of its electrical networks, its water supplies, it’s generators, its fire detection systems and it’s public transport,” Baldwin announced.
“Second, we will be backing the expansion of Tamale Airport which will include the construction of a modern, new International terminal building. It’s a $56 million US loan which will enable the airport’s expansion to improve tourist access and promote economic growth as well as benefiting Hajj pilgrims with a new multi-purpose facility.
“And the third project we’re backing is in completing Bekwai Hospital. Led by the Eurofinsa Group and insurance firm Ellipse UK, UKEF (UK Export Finance)’s guarantee of a 20 million euro loan will support every aspect of the hospital’s construction which will include 120 new beds, an Emergency Department, a Maternity Ward and an Operating Theatre,” she disclosed.
The UK-Ghana Business Council will next meet at Accra in October this year.
By Michael Eli Dokosi/goldstreetbusiness.com
