PNC calls for the relocation of Kotoka International Airport

The People's National Convention (PNC) on Monday called for the relocation of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) without delay and in the interim, suspend high rise developments in the airport enclave.

"Whilst the PNC commiserates with the families in Ghana and Nigeria for these tragedies, the timing is apt to consider relocating the airport without delay…. the government should take the necessary steps for the relocation of the airport from its current place to a less densely populated area with well-protected lands that are not encroached upon,” according to a statement issued in Accra by Mr Bernard Mornah, General Secretary of the party.

"The PNC joins the nation to solidarise with the families of the deceased from Saturday’s unfortunate cargo plane crash at the Kotoka International Airport."

According to statement, "This relocation is imperative particularly, as the unfortunate plane crash in Lagos on June 3 which claimed the lives of 153 persons demonstrated the perils of locating airports in densely populated areas. Indeed, the situation is graver as high rise and tall properties are being developed in the ongoing craze of an “Airport City”, which heightens safety concerns for the KIA now and the future."

"Government’s response to the tragedy has been reassuring and we hope that the recommendations from the committee inaugurated will not be made to gather dust, as is our custom as a nation."

The statement said," An early and decisive response to this warning from both the Ghana and Nigeria plane crashes is no less timely than now to avert any future disaster. What would have happened in the unfortunate event that the cargo plane had run into the fuel station near the El-wak stadium? Only divine providence spared Ghana this disaster!!!”