Vice President and Policy Analyst of policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil has kicked against a proposal by government to build an Airport in the Central Regional Capital, Cape Coast.
In less than 48hrs after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo rejected the idea of building the airport in a radio interview, Vice President Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia at the 2020 manifesto launch on Saturday, 22 August 2020 in Cape Coast said an airport and harbour are crucial for the Central region since it attracts a lot of tourists.
“We will accelerate our investments in roads, railways and ports. And for the people of Cape Coast, I have good news for you: we are building a new harbour in Cape Coast and a new airport in Cape Coast ”he promised.
“It is very critical that we do that,” he said.
The disclosure has however been heavily criticized by development analysts who have said building an airport in Cape Coast is not prudent considering its proximity to Accra and Takoradi where there are existing airports.
In a reaction seen by dreamzfmonline.com, Kofi Bentil noted that only 1% of potential clients would benefit from the initiative if executed. A move he suggested is a bad idea considering the existing bad roads in the region which need to be fixed.
“I come from Cape Coast. An Airport in Cape Coast is a patently bad idea and anyone suggesting that has totally lost it. You want to fly planes for the rich 1% when you have a dangerous road claiming lives every year. You won’t simply dualise the road and then put rail beside it for the masses!!! What thinking makes you leave that and rather build an airport? If cape coast road was dualised and straightened. It would be safe to drive there within 45 minutes in an average car,” Mr. Bentil wrote.
He further indicated that “To fly to Cape Coast from Accra would cost you 30 minutes to the airport. 1 hour at the airport checking in and boarding, 15 minutes of flight plus 30 minutes to get your luggage and leave the airport. It will be faster to just drive”.
