Approximately 88 out of 618 acres of land designated by the central government for the Takoradi Air Force Base in Ghana’s Western Region have been illegally occupied by encroachers, raising concerns about the impact on military operations.
Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Manukure Atiemo, Commander of the Takoradi Air Force Base, emphasized the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the remaining land to ensure the operational efficiency of the Ghana Air Force. He made this statement during a briefing with Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, who visited the Base as part of a familiarization tour of security agencies within the region.
“I am currently pushing hard to continue the efforts of my predecessor to address this encroachment issue,” stated Air Commodore Atiemo. He urged the Western Regional Minister to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to help the Base reclaim the encroached land and prevent further unauthorized occupation.
In response, Mr. Nelson pledged his support in protecting the Air Force Base’s land, particularly those within its primary operational zone. He stressed the importance of effective collaboration and open communication among stakeholders, including government agencies, to tackle the growing issue of land encroachment across the country.
During his visit, the Western Regional Minister interacted with Air Force officers, enlisted personnel, and other key stakeholders to promote cooperation and strengthen partnerships. He also toured the Base’s facilities, observed ongoing infrastructure projects, and gained insights into the operational capabilities of the Takoradi Air Force Base, underscoring his commitment to supporting its development and operational readiness.
The growing problem of land encroachment in Ghana poses significant challenges to national security and infrastructure development. Collaborative measures between government entities, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities are essential to address this issue, ensuring that critical military installations like the Takoradi Air Force Base can operate without disruption.
