GCAA launches 40th anniversary celebration
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched its 40th anniversary celebration in Accra with a commitment to position the authority as West Africa’s leading aviation hub.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the authority had started a series of initiatives, including training sessions, educational outreaches and staff engagement events.
It will also organise an exhibition and open day to showcase archival photographs, aircraft, radar and communication equipment from the past four decades, where schools and members of the public would be invited to participate.
Additionally, the anniversary, which is on the theme: "Celebrating 40 years of aviation excellence in Ghana", would feature an inter-agency health walk and wellness activities, a conference on aviation and education, a traditional day celebrating Ghanaian culture, and a grand climax on May 16, 2026.
Regulatory reforms
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who launched the event in Accra yesterday, said his outfit had embarked on sustained investment in infrastructure and regulatory reforms for the sector.
He mentioned major expansion works at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), including the construction of a new air traffic control tower and a connecting concourse between Terminals Two and Three to ease congestion and enhance operational efficiency.
He said a proposed national carrier, coupled with the renaming of KIA to Accra International Airport, would complement the nation’s broader aviation hub strategy and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the sub-region.
Regional airports
The minister also said that the government had intensified upgrades at regional airports to improve connectivity and align the country’s aviation infrastructure with international standards.
“We are working hard to ensure that we remain and become a more reliable aviation hub within the sub-region," he said.
The minister said that sustained investment in air navigation, surveillance systems and modern facilities would strengthen the nation’s competitiveness.
“GCAA will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that all aviation developments meet higher international standards of safety and security," he said.
Mr Nikpe added that the revival of a national airline would stimulate tourism and trade.
The minister further said that the renaming of KIA was part of broader aviation sector reforms.
He explained that the proposed change was intended to reposition the facility within the country’s long-term aviation development strategy.
The Director-General of GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, said since attaining autonomous status on May 16, 1986, under PNDC Law 151, the authority had grown into a strong and self-sustaining regulator within the nation’s aviation space.
He said the core mandate of the authority had consistently been to regulate civil aviation and provide air navigation services in a highly professional and environmentally responsible manner.
Rev. Arthur said that although the authority’s 40-year record reflected resilience and progress, it did not mean the institution was without challenges, particularly in areas such as financing, equipment, technology and manpower sectors.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to the sector minister and Board of Directors, management and staff for their support and dedication to excellence.
