At least eighty-eight (88) acres of land belonging to the Airforce Base in Takoradi in the Western Region, have been taken over by encroachers.
These 88 acres of land, form part of over 600 acres specifically demarcated by central government for establishment of the Airforce Base and its operations.
The repercussions of the land encroachment, according to the military command, continues to affect their operational measures.
Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Manukure Atiemo, disclosed this when he briefed Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson, about their operations, core mandate and challenges facing them.
He explained that the silent approach being adopted by land encroachment on the military territory, remains a great challenge which ought to be tackled with all seriousness.
Consequently, he appealed to the Western Regional Minister Hon. Joseph Nelson, to liaise with stakeholders to end the land grabbing phenomenon within the military enclave.
In response, the Minister, assured the Command of his commitment to collaborate effectively with them to deal decisively with perpetrators of these land encroachment syndrome within the military territory.
Most of the prime lands sharing boundary with the Airforce base, the soldiers noted, are currently under threat due to multiple factors including human activities and encroachment.
The desire of the Command, according to Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Manukure Atiemo, is to expand its operational zones while relying heavily on the lands belonging to them.
In line with this, he said they want to reposition the topography of the area in order to protect the lands, avoid confusion and ultimately litigation.
In response to this, the Minister gave assurance to the Command that he would assist them work assiduously to protect the lands with particular emphasis on those found within the primary operational enclaves.
The insatiable quest by residents within Adakope, Airport Ridge and other communities within the premises of the Airforce Base to continue to encroach on these lands hitherto belonging to the Command, has been one of the challenges facing the soldiers.
The Minister called for effective collaboration and communication among all key stakeholders, including government to end the growing phenomenon of these encroachments.
Mr Joseph Nelson later interacted with commanders, staff and key stakeholders of the Airforce Base.
He toured some of the facilities making up the Airforce base and also inspected ongoing projects being carried out by the command.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
