A group calling itself Concerned Youth of Sekondi/Takoradi has expressed concern over the decision by the Air Force and Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to oppose the construction of the Takoradi Shopping Mall.

At a news briefing to register their displeasure, the Concern Youth said the move to stop the commencement of the project was an attempt by some individuals to frustrate Government from bringing development to the region.

They explained that if the project were cancelled it would retard the progress of the Sekondi-Takoradi; a region which they said contributed a lot to the national economy. They claimed that any cancellation

“It would be a shame if the flagship project which has captured the imagination of well-meaning people of the region because of its likely positive economic impact is stopped,” they insisted.

The group does not understand why the construction of a mall on a land, which was leased by the Air Force to artisans, will now pose danger to the society if a mall is erected on it.

They claimed that the land in question was over 23 acres, out of which about 10 acres would be used for the proposed mall. The mall, they maintained, would constitute a more orderly development of the area compared to structures of the artisans, who earlier occupied the place at the behest of the Air Force.

“If the aviation authorities are saying the mall would be unsafe, then it would be fair to demand immediate pulling down of the jubilee park, removal of the Edzii filling station right in the pathway of airplanes and stoppage of vehicular traffic on the Kwesimintsim road.” They said aircrafts virtually flew over vehicles and other structures whose constructions were authorised by the same aviation authorities.

They have, therefore, appealed to the Air Force to review it stance since the Takoradi Airport falls directly under its jurisdiction. They again called on chiefs to speak and support the developmental agenda of the region.

However, experts spoken to by Public Agenda said the youths were being simplistic in their analysis and that the issues go beyond commercial considerations and job creation. According to them, aviation rules and best industry practices did not permit the construction of such structures close to runways.