Joseph Nyikpe is the Minister of Transport
As part of efforts to position Ghana as West Africa’s aviation hub, the country is proceeding with plans to build a new air traffic control tower, connect major airport terminals and re-establish a national airline, Transport Minister Joseph Nykpe has said.
Speaking at the launch of activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr Nikpe said these projects form part of a coordinated strategy to strengthen infrastructure, regulatory oversight and aviation safety.
He said construction of a new control tower is underway at Kotoka International Airport in parallel with plans to construct a connecting concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3.
The project aims to reduce congestion in Terminal 3 during peak hours and reposition Terminal 2 to accommodate both domestic and international passengers.
“In addition to this, you can also see significant policy and infrastructure investment underway, including the construction of a new air traffic control tower to reduce congestion during peak hours and the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3,” said Mr Nikpe.
“All this is towards His Excellency’s vision of making Ghana the aviation hub of West Africa.”
The minister said the government was also renovating Wa and Tamale regional airports to meet international standards, and Ho Airport would support a pilot training program.
The court ordered GMA to reinstate 26 employees and pay them GH¢310,000 for wrongful dismissal.
These facilities are expected to improve connectivity in the country.
The Minister reaffirmed that plans are underway to re-establish the national airline in the coming months.
The airline said it would complement existing aviation infrastructure and operate on sound commercial principles.
“Plans are underway to rebuild the national airline, and with this goal of confirming its operations in the coming months, we have hope and confidence in you and the work you do every day,” he said.
“I am confident that with your efforts, this airline will be run in a sound manner.”
The proposed airline will be part of a broader aviation policy under President John Dramani Mahama, who has outlined a strategy to expand Ghana’s role in regional air transport.
The minister said the government is investing in aviation security technology and data systems to strengthen surveillance and airspace management.
He added that regulatory reforms, including the Ghana Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2016 (Act No. 906), have aligned Ghana’s aviation framework with international treaties and protocols.
Separating airport management from regulatory oversight has also improved accountability by ensuring the GCAA focuses solely on safety and compliance, he said.
In 2023, GCAA was ranked first among 60 state-owned enterprises and second among public sector bodies overall in the Public Enterprise Awards.
Mr. Nikpe said the rating reflects strong governance, operational efficiency and financial discipline.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to assess progress and prepare for future expansion, adding that the agency remains central to ensuring aviation development meets international safety standards.
The Minister also revealed that the government is working towards renaming Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport as part of the relocation.
He commended the authority’s board, management and staff for maintaining safety standards for four decades and called for continued professionalism as Ghana expands its aviation footprint.
“We know the skies are always safe when we’re working,” he said.
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