The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has expressed the resolve of the government to continue expanding and strengthening the country’s aviation sector through sustained investments in infrastructure, safety, regulatory systems, and human capital development.
The minister explained that continuous support for policies and investments would position Ghana as the preferred aviation and travel destination within the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration dinner of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Accra on May 16, Mr. Nikpe stated that the government remained determined to build a resilient and globally competitive aviation industry capable of driving economic growth, tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
“The government is working hard to expand, to improve, and make sure that we become the most preferred travel destination in the West Africa sub-region,” he stated.
The anniversary
The anniversary dinner marked the climax of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority’s month-long celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Held on the theme, “40 Years of Aviation Excellence,” the dinner brought together distinguished stakeholders from the aviation industry, government officials and development partners, including Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey; Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur; Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare; and Board Chair of the GCAA, Ing. Simon Allotey.
The ceremony commemorated four decades of the country’s aviation regulatory excellence and the authority’s contribution to national development.
Best-performing agencies
Mr Nikpe commended the GCAA for its dedicated service and leadership over the past four decades, describing the authority as one of the best-performing agencies under the Ministry of Transport.
He said that the decoupling of the GCAA and the Ghana Airports Company Limited had enabled the authority to focus effectively on its core regulatory and air safety mandate.
He praised the management and staff of the authority for their continuous efforts in ensuring safe and efficient air travel.
The minister called for stronger collaboration among key aviation institutions, including the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), to further improve aviation safety and operational excellence across the country.
National airline
Mr Nikpe said there was a renewed efforts by government to re-establish a national airline as part of plans to strengthen Ghana’s aviation industry.
He expressed confidence in the country’s aviation professionals to support the success of a future national carrier.
“Ghana is thinking of establishing or re-establishing a national airline, and we are confident that we have men and women who will continue to safeguard our skies,” he stated.
He stated that the country possesses the expertise and aviation safety standards needed to sustain the operations of a national airline and attract more passengers to Ghana’s airspace.
Build lasting legacy
Ing. Allotey stated that the anniversary celebration was not only an opportunity to celebrate the authority’s achievements in aviation safety and professionalism but also a call for staff and industry players to build lasting legacies for the country’s aviation sector.
“We have made 40 years, but there are more years ahead of us, and it is my prayer that all of us will leave a legacy for the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation industry and Mother Ghana,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the GCAA would continue to build on its achievements and maintain high standards of safety, security and operational excellence in the years ahead.
GCAA’s critical role
The GACL MD stated that the authority had played a critical role in maintaining high standards of aviation safety, security and regulatory oversight in the country.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the GACL to continue collaborating with the GCAA to build a safe, efficient and competitive aviation ecosystem capable of positioning Ghana as a leading aviation hub within the West African sub-region.