Authorities in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital, have demolished several unauthorised structures at Kumbiehi, near the Wa Airport, citing safety risks and lack of proper building permits.

The exercise, carried out by officials of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and security personnel, targeted buildings that had been constructed dangerously close to the airport runway — in clear violation of aviation safety and planning regulations.

According to municipal authorities, the affected structures were erected without the necessary development and building permits, despite several warnings issued to the developers.

The illegal construction, they explained, posed significant safety threats to both air operations and residents in the area.

The officials of the GACL said the demolition formed part of a broader effort to enforce land use and spatial planning laws within the municipality.

“We cannot compromise on public safety. The proximity of these buildings to the runway presents serious hazards to aircraft operations and endangers lives.

This exercise is to ensure order, safety, and compliance with the law,” they stated.

Officials from the Ghana Airports Company Limited also noted that unauthorised developments around the Wa Airport have been a long-standing concern, warning that further encroachments would not be tolerated.

Residents of Kumbiehi, while acknowledging the need for regulation, appealed to the Assembly to provide clearer guidelines and education on permissible development zones to prevent future losses.

The demolition exercise was conducted peacefully under the supervision of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC). Authorities say similar enforcement operations will soon be extended to other parts of the municipality where illegal developments have been reported.