The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and modernising Ghana’s aviation sector, pledging sustained investment in infrastructure, regulatory reforms and institutional capacity to position the country as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, said the aviation sector remained central to national development and global connectivity, assuring continued investment to enable it to thrive.
“It is my hope and prayer that the Ministry, through government, will continue to give you the needed support and guide you in your daily activities,” he stated.
“We are working hard to ensure that we remain and become a more reliable hub of aviation in the West African sub-region.”
The Minister said this at the launch of the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Accra, on Monday.
The anniversary, which will climax in May 2026, marks four decades of the establishment of the GCAA in 1986 under PNDC Law 151 as an autonomous body responsible for regulating civil aviation and providing air navigation services in Ghana.
Mr Nikpe highlighted sustained investments in modern aviation infrastructure, including advanced air navigation and surveillance systems, air traffic management facilities and ongoing projects at the Kotoka International Airport.
It would also include the construction of a new air traffic control tower and a connecting concourse between Terminals Two and Three to ease congestion during peak hours.
The Minister disclosed that regional airports were being upgraded to meet international standards, while the Ho Airport had been earmarked for pilot training programmes.
He reiterated the government’s plans to re-establish a national airline within the next few months, noting that the GCAA would play a critical role in ensuring the airline operated in line with international safety and security standards.
“I am confident and full of hope that your good work will see this airline operate with sound business management,” he said.
The Minister commended the Board, management, and staff of the Authority for their “unwavering dedication and commitment to service,” expressing confidence that Ghana’s skies would remain safe under their stewardship.
“We know that the skies will always be safe when you are at work,” he said.
Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, the Director-General of the GCAA, said the Authority had over the past 40 years overcome significant challenges in financing, equipment, and technological upgrades through dedication and stakeholder collaboration.
However, he explained that it was on course to become a top-tier regulator in the sector.
“We are on course with our vision to become a world-class aviation regulator and air navigation service provider,” he said.
The next phase would demand higher standards, continuous learning and adaptation to emerging technologies and regulatory trends, he added.
Rev. Arthur commended past Directors-General and staff whose efforts laid a solid foundation for the Authority’s current achievements.
Mr Simon Allotey, the Board Chairman, GCAA, lauded past directors and staff for their dedication to service, likening the Authority’s journey to a relay race, where successive leadership teams had carried the baton of safety and excellence.
“Forty years is not merely a celebration of the past; it is a launchpad for the future,” he said.
“Let us honour those who came before us by running with their determination, but with our own modern strides and strategies.”
Rev. Arthur cited Ghana’s strong performance in international safety audits and the expansion of aviation infrastructure as evidence of the country’s growing stature in global aviation.
Some activities lined up as part of the anniversary celebrations include a media engagement, corporate social responsibility projects, inter-departmental competitions, exhibition and open day, health walk and games, anniversary conference and a gala dinner.
The programme would also feature a traditional day to showcase Ghanaian culture and thanksgiving service to climax the celebrations.
