Ghana’s airspace attracts foreign airlines, but regulatory criteria pose challenges – GCAA Deputy Commissioner
The allure of Ghana’s airspace as a potential commercial aviation hub has drawn the attention of foreign airlines seeking expansion opportunities. However, Ghana’s stringent regulatory criteria have emerged as a significant obstacle, thwarting the ambitions of most prospective carriers, according to Daniel Acquah, the Deputy Commissioner of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
Speaking at the recently convened Aviation Safety Investigation Day celebration, organized by the prestigious Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, industry stakeholders gathered to deliberate on bolstering safety measures within the aviation sector.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Acquah highlighted the growing interest from foreign airlines to establish operations in Ghana. Nevertheless, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the challenging reality of entering the market. Citing the country’s civil aviation regulations and directives, Mr. Acquah stressed the need for airlines to meet specific personnel qualifications and stringent criteria set forth by the authority.
“We have a lot more knocking on our doors to establish airlines but the reality is that it is very expensive or capital intensive to establish an airline. According to the civil aviation regulation or directive, you need a certain caliber of personnel, so we have all that criteria in our regulations,” explained Mr. Acquah.
While numerous foreign airlines show initial enthusiasm, many find themselves unable to navigate the intricacies and demands of the Ghanaian aviation landscape, leading them to withdraw their applications.
The commitment of the Ghanaian government to ensure aviation safety and encourage innovation was reiterated by Mr. Acquah during the event. The administration is firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of passengers and industry stakeholders alike.
In tandem with this objective, Akwasi Prempeh, Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, urged industry stakeholders to forge effective collaborations, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding lives and preserving Ghana’s invaluable human resources.
Notably, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority unveiled plans to develop a policy aimed at providing assistance to aircraft accident victims, showcasing the country’s comprehensive approach to aviation welfare and its commitment to embracing global best practices.
The Aviation Safety Investigation Day, held under the theme “Working together for an innovative and sustainable global aviation,” underscored the collective efforts required to create a safer, more dynamic aviation environment in Ghana.
