The ever-prying investigative machinery of Public Agenda has stumbled upon a study report by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) which recommended that the proposed construction of a shopping mall around the threshold of the Takoradi Aerodrome Runway will violate the “International Civil Authority Organisation (ICAO) technical regulations on obstruction around aerodromes.”
The GCAA provides copious reasons why the proposed mall, to be known as Jubilee Mall, should not be sited at the area in question. It explains, among other reasons that an attempt to build physical structures in the proposed site will physically obstruct Navigation. The structure in issue “will obstruct the airspace necessary for landing on or taking off from the runway.” The consequence of the obstruction of the airspace, the GCAA further notes, will “increase the approach profile which will require further increase in threshold displacement, thus reducing landing distances.”
The stance of the GCAA is the same as that of the Ghana Air Force. The Air Force's opposition to the project led to an altercation between it and the Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Captain Anthony Cudjoe (Retired), in June of this year.
The GCAA illuminates its viewpoint, saying, “Higher approach and take off profiles,”which aircrafts have to adopt to cope with obstruction from the proposed structure,” will also affect the efficiency of the aerodrome. Larger aircraft (heavy weight) may not safely conduct navigational manoeuvres, thus, limiting the use of the aerodrome to only very light aircraft.”
Besides, the GCAA stresses that the planned construction will further complicate engineering decisions relative to the existing limitations for the installation of Glideslope facility at the aerodrome.
Future expansion plans also informed the recommendation of the GCAA. “Takoradi is currently the only aerodrome supporting both military and civil flights operations in the Western Region area. From recent trends, higher traffic numbers have been projected for the aerodrome, which will necessary (sic) create demand for expansion. Any future expansion plans for the airport may not be possible due to the limitation on usable runway length available.”
Similarly, safety concerns were one of the factors that influenced the decision of the GCAA. Under the heading’, ‘Safety of Flight and People on the Ground’, the GCAA argues that low flight levels are not permitted over places that constantly present congregation of crowd.
“In missed approach procedures, Balked landing situations may be inevitable. Structures very close to the threshold will present more danger. In high cross winds conditions, risk levels will be higher with the presence of structures very close to the approaches.” Balked landing is a landing manoeuvre that is unexpectedly discontinued at any point below the obstacle clearance altitude/height.
Thus, based upon the above compelling reasons, the GCAA drives home the point in unambiguous terms that “the proposed development of the Jubilee Mall in the approach area to the Takoradi aerodrome is highly not recommended.”
It would be recalled that citifmonline.com reported in June of the tussle between Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and the Ghana Air Force proposed site for the mall.
The STMA Chief Executive, Captain Anthony Cudjoe (Retired), was reported as cautioning the Air Force in Takoradi not to let their interest impede the development of the Sekondi -Takoradi Metropolis.
His threat, the story said, comes months after the Air Force is reported to have warned that a proposed shopping mall is on a flight path and that the land has been given to second hand car dealers at the site.
Despite the Air Force's earlier concern, Captain Cudjoe (Retired) was said to have given a directive to the second hand car dealers at the frontage of the proposed site for the construction of the Takoradi Shopping Mall to vacate the land within the next 24 hours.
According to the mayor, the attitude of the Air force to hijack progress of the Twin City is uncalled for.
“Why is it that the little interest of the Air Force to get money from the occupants of the land is going to frustrate this project?” Captain Cudjoe queried.
According to him, several discussions have gone on between him and the National Air Force Commander how has given the green light to the project, but the “local Air force base commander is refusing to obey instructions of his boss.”
He indicated that if by close that day, June 18, and the occupant of the land refused to exit the site, he would move in forcefully.
“If I have to see the Chief of Defense staff I will go, if I have to see the Minister of Defence, I will tell my Regional Minister and see him because the land does not belong to the Air force,” the STMA CEO threatened, according to
citifmonline.com
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