Story: Fg Offr Gaddiel Etwire.

Pictures: Cpl Kyereme Evans.

In a move aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing regional connectivity, the Base Commander of Air Force Base Tamale, Air Commodore Nana Adu-Gyamfi, who also serves as the 6 Garrison Commander, led a strategic inspection of the Yendi Airstrip on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

The visit forms part of the President’s vision to transform Ghana’s aviation sector, with a strong focus on expanding regional air connectivity. This initiative recognises aviation not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a critical component of security, particularly within the Northern sector.

The engagement began with a courtesy call at the Yendi Municipal Assembly, where Air Commodore Adu-Gyamfi and his delegation were warmly received by the Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Sugri Muniru. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strong civil-military cooperation. Hon. Muniru commended the military’s continued support, describing it as reliable and instrumental in maintaining stability within the municipality.

In his remarks, Air Commodore Adu-Gyamfi explained that the mission, directed by the Chief of the Air Staff, is a key step toward expanding air operations across Northern Ghana. He acknowledged the challenges associated with identifying and acquiring land for new aviation infrastructure and emphasised the importance of assessing and upgrading existing facilities like the Yendi Airstrip. According to him, this approach offers a practical way to accelerate development while avoiding the delays often associated with new land acquisition.

The visit concluded with a detailed tour of the airstrip, where officers conducted a technical assessment of the facility, including the condition of the runway. The findings will help determine its readiness for upgrade into a more modern and capable facility.

Once developed, the airstrip is expected to support both military and civilian operations, opening up opportunities for commercial activity, emergency medical evacuations, and faster security response across the region.