The Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has commended the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for its unwavering commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence over the past 40 years.
He said the dedication of both past and present staff had helped position Ghana as one of the preferred aviation destinations in the West African sub-region.
Mr Nikpe added that the President particularly appreciated the contributions of former employees whose efforts, he said, had laid a solid foundation for the country’s aviation industry.
He described the GCAA as one of the best-performing agencies under the Ministry of Transport, noting that it had consistently discharged its mandate with distinction.
Mr Nikpe made the remarks at an awards and dinner ceremony in Accra last Saturday to climax the 40th anniversary celebrations of the authority, where he conveyed the congratulations of President John Dramani Mahama to management, staff and former workers for their role in developing the sector.
He observed that the decoupling of the Ghana Airports Company Limited from the GCAA about two decades ago had enabled the authority to focus on its core regulatory and safety oversight functions.
According to him, the move had allowed the authority to concentrate on its mandate, which it had executed with distinction over the years.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the aviation sector and expanding Ghana’s position as a preferred travel hub in the region.
He noted that achieving that goal would require sustained dedication, efficiency and collaboration among all stakeholders in the industry.
Mr Nikpe stressed that ensuring safe and comfortable air travel depended on the continuous hard work and professionalism of aviation personnel.
He commended workers in the sector for their sacrifices, noting that their vigilance and commitment played a crucial role in maintaining safety within Ghana’s airspace.
He further urged agencies within the sector, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), to deepen collaboration to enhance air transport services across the continent.
The Minister also reiterated government’s intention to re-establish a national airline, expressing confidence in the capacity and professionalism of Ghanaian aviation personnel to sustain such an initiative.
For his part, the Director-General of the GCAA, Mr Stephen Wilfred Arthur, expressed appreciation to stakeholders, management and staff for their dedication and support over the years.
He said the anniversary was not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the authority’s journey and renew commitment to the future.
Mr Arthur noted that while the GCAA had chalked 40 years, there were many more years ahead that required sustained effort and dedication.
He stated that the authority had built a strong legacy of professionalism, safety and service excellence, adding that staff had played a vital role in sustaining its reputation.
Mr Arthur expressed the hope that both current and future employees would continue to build on that legacy and leave a lasting impact on the organisation and the country.
He also urged stakeholders in the aviation industry to strengthen collaboration to ensure continued growth and safety in the sector.
The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, airline operators, ground handling companies, former directors-general of the GCAA, development partners and members of the public.
Awards were presented to deserving staff and industry players in recognition of their contributions to the development of Ghana’s aviation industry.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
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