The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for targeted policy reforms to encourage Ghanaian-led investments, as work officially began on the much-anticipated Kumasi Airport City project.
Speaking through his representative, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo urged policymakers to move beyond conventional support strategies and adopt bold interventions that reward local private sector risk-takers.
“It is time to begin a national conversation to encourage Ghanaians to have faith in the nation and be prepared to put their money where their mouths are,” he said.
The traditional ruler believes Ghana’s economic future lies in empowering indigenous entrepreneurs through tailored incentives and protections that reduce investment risks and promote sustainable growth.
“Our people have to be upfront in leading development efforts as we need our entrepreneurs to step forward and be prepared to take the risk of investing in a sustainable manner towards the development of the country,” he added.
Sod-cutting and scope
The remarks were made during a sod-cutting ceremony last Friday (20 June) to mark the start of construction on the Airport City Kumasi project, located opposite the newly upgraded Prempeh I International Airport.
The event brought together clergy, development partners, Ghana Airport Company officials, and the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Hüseyin Güngör.
Conceived by Stephen Owusu, CEO of HDG Group, the ambitious mixed-use development spans 50 acres and is set to deliver a combination of luxury residences, commercial centres, entertainment hubs and hospitality services.
Among the flagship features are the Greenwich, a gated community of over 80 luxury homes, and Kensington Heights, a cluster of four 15-storey residential towers housing 750 rooms.
A Best Western Premier hotel, Grade-A office spaces, shopping malls, a school, medical facility, and a multi-purpose event centre are also part of the plan.
Owusu said the project was designed to create a smart, sustainable city on par with Africa’s top developments.
“Airport City Kumasi is poised to attract investments exceeding millions, further propelling Ghana into a commercial epicentre for both the nation and the West Africa region,” he told attendees.
The first phase of the development is expected to be completed within two years, with the Greenwich homes slated for delivery in just five months.
Backing from key stakeholders
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also took the opportunity to commend the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as bringing some relative stability to the cedi.
“We hope that it will encourage the desired upsurge in productive investments,” he said.
The project developer, HDG Homes, established in 2019, has partnered with Miller Holding, a major Turkish construction firm, to execute the initiative. According to Mert Mildon, President of Miller Holding, the company views the Kumasi project as its gateway into Ghana’s construction market.
“We are proud to bring to Ghana the positive impact we have created across Africa,” he said, adding that the company’s total investments on the continent have reached $3 billion.
He also hinted at future developments in both Kumasi and Accra.
A catalyst for regional growth
Kwabena Obeng, CEO of KOSS Assets and one of the project’s key investment partners, emphasised the changing role of airports in economic planning.
“The future of airports will not just be points of transit, but rather engines of regional development,” he said.
Obeng revealed that their hotel investment alone stands at $15 million, with a broader medium- to long-term target of $70 to $100 million within the Airport City enclave. He expressed confidence that the initiative will drive job creation, support the aviation and tourism ecosystem, and elevate Kumasi’s role as a commercial and logistics hub.
Government endorsement
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene praised the project and assured government backing through incentives such as tax holidays and waivers.
He pointed out that with over 40% of households in the region living in rental accommodation, the development could significantly reduce the housing deficit while offering modern infrastructure and security.
“The project would contribute to closing the housing deficit in the region,” he noted.
Source: asaaseradio
