Tamale, Nov. 19, GNA- Miss Gloria Akuffo, Minister of State, Aviation Ministry on Monday inspected the progress of work at the Tamale Airport in preparation for the expected influx of visitors to the metropolis for Ghana 2008.

The Ministers team included Mrs Esi Annor Sackey, Managing Director of Ghana Airways Company, Mr. G.K. Scott, Chief Director of the Ministry and Mr Simon Allotey, Acting Director-General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.

Miss Akuffo inspected construction works at the VIP lounge, the water system, Generating house, fire service Station and the Control Tower.

Consar, a construction company is undertaking the construction of the facilities at the cost of over two million dollars. The Runaway repair works, which include the laying of asphalt, is being carried out by Focal Roads, a road construction company at the cost of 1.8 million dollars. The contractors hoped to complete the work by the end of December. Miss Akuffo said earlier, she was a bit apprehensive about the projects completion before the Ghana 2008 tournament, but with the assurance given by the technical men " I hope it would be done on schedule".

The Aviation Minister also paid courtesy calls on the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the area, Mr Mohammed Amin Adam and the Regent of Gulpegu, Alhaji Ziblim Abdulai who was represented by some of his elders.

Mr Adam said the Tamale Airport should be upgraded to an International one as well as the construction of more airfields for the Northern sector of the country to help in the transportation of food and relief items to the remote areas in times of disasters. He urged the Minister to consider putting in place an arrangement that would enable Moslem pilgrims in the North to fly direct from Tamale.