The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced plans to intensify public education for chiefs and residents of Wa in the Upper West Region following increasing encroachment around the Wa Airport, a situation officials describe as a looming aviation safety crisis.

The Manager of the Wa Airport, Mr. Eric Nartey Yeboah, issued the warning when the leader of the Yirimambo Advocacy Group, Mr. Atawulahi Kanmintayie Ibrahim, visited the airport to obtain firsthand information on the extent of the encroachment.

Mr. Yeboah said the scale of illegal construction and unsafe human activity around the airport had reached “an alarming level,” posing immediate risks to aircraft, passengers, aircrews, and surrounding communities.

According to him, the western side of the airport—previously the main landing direction—has already been rendered unusable due to obstruction caused by private buildings, communication masts, tree plantations, and other developments. 

He added that the remaining eastern corridor, currently the only safe landing path for aircraft, is now also under threat from ongoing illegal constructions.

He revealed that airport authorities recently demolished one such hazardous structure to prevent what could have escalated into a national aviation tragedy.

Mr. Yeboah further highlighted an emerging danger posed by the proliferation of zinc-roofed buildings in the area.

 The reflective surfaces of such roofs, he explained, can blind pilots during approach, potentially causing aircraft to overshoot the runway.

“This is not a mere concern. This is a grave aviation safety threat,” he stressed, noting that every flight to Wa is now subjected to elevated levels of risk.

He appealed to residents to desist from building around the airport and assured that management will soon begin community engagements to educate the public on the severe hazards associated with encroachment.

The GACL reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the airport and ensuring the safety of all air operations in the region.