Togbe Afede’s Plan to Establish Aviation Academy in Ho Faces Uncertainty After Over $30k Payment to GACL

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State in the Volta Region, began plans last year to establish a Pilot Training School in the regional capital, Ho, located at the Ho Airport. This ambitious project is designed to offer aviation services, train pilots, and develop aviation personnel, contributing to the region’s economic growth and improving air travel infrastructure.
As part of this endeavor, Togbe Afede has already paid $32,445 to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) as a 30% deposit for land allocation at the Ho Airport. Despite the payment, the project has faced significant setbacks, with no apparent effort from the GACL to assist in the establishment of the training facility. This delay has raised concerns, particularly given the importance of the school for the region’s development.
Stephen Tetteh, the secretary of the Asogli State, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress despite the payment. In a press release, Tetteh explained that on June 26, 2023, Togbe Afede’s company made the initial payment as requested by GACL to secure the land, but since then, there has been no further movement on the project. He accused GACL of failing to meet its commitment, stating that the company has yet to fulfill its part of the agreement.
The proposed aviation school is not only meant to provide a much-needed educational facility for the region but also aims to generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy. The establishment of the school would also improve air connectivity in and out of the Volta Region, helping to integrate the area more fully into the national and international aviation network. However, these benefits are currently at risk due to the lack of cooperation from the relevant authorities.
The Ho Airport, which was constructed between 2015 and 2018 at a cost of $25 million, has remained largely underutilized, earning the reputation of a “white elephant.” The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a 1,900-meter runway, an air traffic control tower, VIP and VVIP facilities, and staff parking. It also has the capacity to handle 150,000 passengers annually. However, despite its completion, there has been little to no effort to operationalize the facility. The airport’s potential remains untapped, and its lack of activity reflects poorly on the authorities entrusted with its management.
According to the Asogli State, the establishment of Togbe Afede’s aviation academy would be a significant step toward revitalizing the Ho Airport and making better use of its infrastructure. The traditional state criticized the current leadership, stating that the state of the airport was not the result of the efforts of those who built it, but rather the outcome of neglect and a lack of vision from those currently in charge of decision-making. This criticism highlights the disconnect between the potential of the airport and the lack of action to fully operationalize it.
The proposed training school, according to the Asogli State, would offer much-needed training for pilots and aviation personnel, creating jobs and boosting the regional economy. It would also bring new life to the airport, helping to attract more flights and increase the airport’s usage. However, the project’s success depends on the cooperation and support of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, which, so far, has failed to deliver on its promises.
Togbe Afede’s vision for the region remains a promising one, but without the necessary support from the relevant authorities, it is at risk of being delayed or even derailed entirely. The establishment of the aviation school could serve as a model for regional development, offering much-needed training opportunities while also contributing to the broader goal of enhancing the country’s aviation infrastructure. However, for this dream to become a reality, all stakeholders need to work together to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of progress.