Nana Warns Airport Lands ‘Thieves’

PRESIDENT NANA Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sternly warned developers, who illegally construct buildings on airport lands in the country, as their weird acts pose serious threats to any future expansion of the airports.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the start of work on the Kumasi Airport Development Phase 2 Project on Wednesday, he lamented about how some people were encroaching on airport lands, lately.

According to him, building on airport lands, aside having negative effects on the aviation industry, could also pose serious threat to lives and properties, and called on the authorities concerned to stop the canker to avert any disaster.

“Let me; in conclusion, touch on this important matter, the widespread encroachment on airport lands. This phenomenon threatens the future expansion of our airports in the country. It must be stopped.

“The operators and regulators of our airports, as well as the Lands Commission, need to ensure that lands belonging to our airports are managed properly and duly protected, not only for future projects of expansion, but also to safeguard lives and property”.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held in Kumasi, was attended by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, ministers of state, Members of Parliament (MPs), traditional leaders and people from all walks of life.

President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the second phase of the project would cost 66,350,000 Euros and, would be completed in 24 months.

He said the project includes the extension of the runway from 1,981 meters to 2,300 meters, plus the construction of a new terminal building with capacity to handle one million passengers annually. The contractors would also construct an apron area and a related taxiway.

“Funding for this project has been secured and so there should be no excuse for any delays by contractors to generate cost overruns. Delivery of the project on schedule should be the watchword of the contractors”, he said, adding that other airports across the country would also witness significant facelift very soon.

By: Kwadwo Essel