GCAA Marks Day

The Minister of Roads and Transport, Dr. Richard Anane, has stated that the airline industry worldwide is a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for any country, because it facilitates the movement of goods and people, whilst creating employment opportunities at the same time.

He pointed out that tourism has been identified as the fastest growing sector and that 60 per cent of international tourists who entered the country passed through the Kotoka Airport.

According to the Ghana Tourist Board estimates, in the year 2001, 438,833 tourists arrived in the country, earning the country a total of $447.83 million.

The minister was speaking at a flag-raising ceremony to mark the International Civil Aviation Day, and the launching of the anniversary to mark 100 years of flight by man, when the first controlled, powered and sustained flight of a heavier than air machine, was accomplished by the Wright Brothers in the USA.

According to him, in recognition of the contribution that civil aviation plays in economic growth, the government will do all it can to develop the sector.

He observed that very soon the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will commission its $80 million KIA phase 2 expansion project, when close circuit television, a public address system and flight information display systems are installed and finishing touches are completed.

In an address, the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Capt. Joe Boachie, explained that 7th December marks the day in 1944 when 52 States in the USA signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The organisation, which has its headquarters in Canada, was created to meet the needs of travellers for safe, regular, efficient and economical air transport.

This has been possible, through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAG) Council of International Standards, and recommended practices and procedures for air navigation services.

The president of ICAG, Dr. Assad Kotaite, in a message read on his behalf, said throughout its existence, his organisation has through constant upgrading been able to create a productive forum for nations to discuss issues of common interest, and settle differences in the industry in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding.