Encroachment around the Wa Airport has escalated into a serious aviation safety threat, with the Yirimambo Advocacy Group warning that unchecked illegal development is endangering aircraft operations and human life.
Monitoring by the group revealed unauthorized buildings—including a storey structure directly in the aircraft landing path—along with zinc-roofed houses whose reflections aviation experts say can impair pilot visibility during descent. Both the western and eastern approaches used by aircraft have now been compromised by homes, masts, trees and unregulated construction.
Airport authorities, led by Eric Nartey Yeboah, recently demolished an illegal structure built within the landing corridor. Yeboah engaged affected residents and educated them on the risks, securing their cooperation.
The advocacy group says the broader crisis stems from weak enforcement, questionable land approvals and institutional neglect. It is calling for immediate intervention from traditional authorities, regional leaders, security agencies, the Lands Commission and municipal assemblies.
Their demands include stopping all construction around the airport, conducting an independent probe into land allocations, establishing a protected buffer zone and demolishing structures within critical safety areas.
Airport management insists that protecting Wa Airport is urgent and non-negotiable, warning that failure to act now could lead to a preventable aviation disaster.
