Professor Millar, President of Millar Open University in the Upper East Region, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed regional airport.
The discussion about constructing an airport in the Upper East Region dates back to decades ago. According to Prof. Millar, the original vision for the airport centered on facilitating the safe transportation of mineral resources and providing essential emergency health and security services, rather than solely focusing on commercial passenger traffic.
“I hear this debate that the airport, if constructed, will not be commercially viable, they won’t get more passengers. And so what? These are not the priorities,” Prof. Millar stated emphatically during the exclusive interview with Dreamz FM’s James Nana Tsiquaye
The University president highlighted the practical benefits such an airport could bring to healthcare delivery in the region. He noted that patients currently face significant challenges with emergency medical transportation, often paying for ambulance services equivalent to the cost of a flight ticket, while still encountering various issues with ground transportation.
Prof. Millar argued that air transportation would enable swift transfer of critical patients to specialized healthcare facilities across the country, potentially saving lives.
His comments come in response to critics, who question the allocation of government resources to airport construction in the region, suggesting that other pressing issues should take precedence. These critics contend that the airport would not generate sufficient profit or tangible benefits to justify its construction.
The debate continues to be a significant talking point among residents and stakeholders in the Upper East Region as they consider infrastructure priorities for future development.
