Government to harness local talent to grow the aviation sector
The Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori-Asiamah, says government will harness available local talent to grow the aviation sector and ensure Ghana’s safety and security record is further enhanced.
In 2019, Ghana achieved the highest effective implementation score of 89.89% in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Coordinated Validated Mission (ICVM) most prestigious award in safety and security at the ICAO 40th Assembly in Montreal, Canada.
This feat was attained leveraging local experts in civil aviation regulation, airport management, aviation safety and security experts among others, who work with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Immigration Service and national security.
The country has a pool of talent who worked with defunct Ghana Airways and its successor Ghana International Airlines. These professionals have gone on to build successful carriers with international, regional, and domestic airlines servicing the Kotoka International Airport.
Other experienced hands now work with the aviation sector regulator GCAA, the AIB and others to shape policy and practice in airline and airport operations and regulations.
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Mr. Asiamah, in a speech read in his behalf by Fredrick Obeng Adom, the Deputy Minister for Transport, at the start of a 5-day Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) Technical (TC2) Meeting in Ghana hosted by Ghana’s AIB, said government is committed to assist in any way possible for the sustainability of BAGAIA and the international Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and thus encouraged member states to demonstrate similar commitment.
He said Ghana’s excellent safety and security record in 2019, is something the country holds in high esteem and will ensure a further improvement.
“Ghana achieved the highest effective implementation score of 89.89% in the ICAO Coordinated Validated Mission (ICVM) most prestigious award in safety and security at the ICAO 40th Assembly in Montreal, Canada-2019.”
Mr. Akwasi A. Prempeh, Commissioner of Ghana’s AIB, said government’s commitment to safety and security in the country’s aviation space is the reason for the establishment of the AIB.
” I must say that AIB Ghana, agreeably autonomous, is the baby of His Excellency the President as part of His vision to setup such safety institutions under the Ghana Aviation sector,” Mr. Prempeh said.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include: Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh (BAGAIA Commissioner) and an EU-ASA Representative.
The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency as an independent body under the Banjul Accord Group. The Group conducts investigation into aircraft accident or serious incident when called upon by member states. They periodically offer training in aircraft accident investigations to staff of member countries.
