Ghana: Wa Airport Still Suffers from Operational Non-Compliances
Wa airport was renovated in October 2019. However, less than two years later, this domestic hub that connects the north of the country is no longer served by regular flights, with its infrastructure showing operational deficiencies.
The parking area at Wa airport does not meet ICAO standards. This was the observation made by the Ghanaian Minister of Transport on 2 June during a visit to the infrastructure. Once this diagnosis was made, the Honourable Kweku Ofori Asiamah immediately urged officials of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), with whom he was travelling, to urgently ensure that this area is refurbished to the appropriate standards.
But the real reason for the government member's visit was to assess the danger posed to flights by a telecommunication mast of a private establishment, located about 200 metres from the tarmac of the Wa airstrip. After observation, it was found that the antenna in question was obstructing the navigation route of flights. "A company cannot make profit at the expense of the safety of Ghanaians," the minister said.
He disclosed that discussions are ongoing between him and his Communications counterpart, Hon. Ursula Owusu, to find a solution. According to Ghana Business News, the Wa Airport has not been functional since March 30, 2020. This is the date Africa World Airlines (AWA) stopped commercial flights to the hub, precisely because of the presence of the nearby pole. According to the Ghanaian website, the offending company has in the past been ordered to move its antenna, but has not done so.
In addition to the two problems mentioned above, Hon. Asiamah also expressed concern about the settlement of people around the airstrip. He therefore called on the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, to ensure the relocation of its residents.
