The Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, has paid glowing tribute to the company’s former Boards of Directors and managing directors for their contributions to its growth and development over the past two decades.

Speaking at the launch of GACL’s 20th anniversary celebrations on October 26, 2026, she acknowledged the leadership, guidance and dedication of former board members and managing directors, whose collective efforts helped shape the company into a key institution in Ghana’s aviation industry.

GACL was incorporated in 2006 as a limited liability company following its separation from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). It commenced operations in 2007 with a mandate to plan, develop, manage and maintain civil airports and airstrips across the country.

Opare said the company’s progress over the years had been built on the vision and contributions of successive Boards, whose oversight had laid the foundation for its continued development.

She paid special tribute to the first Board, led by the late Dr John Kobina Richardson, as well as subsequent Boards chaired by Wing Commander Andy Mensah, George Kuntu Blankson, Tony Lithur, Oboshie Sai Cofie and Paul Adom Otchere.

“Each of these Boards contributed, in its own way, to the foundations upon which the company continues to build,” she said, acknowledging their service and role in advancing GACL’s mandate.

Opare also recognised the contributions of the company’s former managing directors, beginning with its first MD, Essie Anno Sackey, followed by Doreen Owusu-Fianko, Charles Kwame Asare, John Dekyem Attafuah, Yaw Kwakwa and Pamela Djamson-Tettey.

She expressed appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the company’s development and success.

The GACL MD further acknowledged Simon Allotey, former Director-General of the GCAA and current Chairman of its Board, for providing executive oversight during GACL’s transition period from January to September 2007.

Reflecting on the company’s achievements, Opare highlighted major infrastructure developments, including Terminal 3 at Accra International Airport and upgrades to Tamale International Airport and Prempeh I International Airport.

She also cited the ongoing repurposing and modification of Terminal 2 at Accra International Airport to support international operations.

According to her, these investments have helped strengthen airport capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience, contributing to Ghana’s ambition of becoming a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.

She commended the current Board, chaired by James Agalga, as well as management and staff, for their continued commitment to the company’s strategic direction and operational performance.

Opare described GACL’s 20th anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate its institutional journey, recognise the people and partnerships behind its progress, and renew its commitment to the future of Ghana’s aviation industry.

Under the theme, “A Legacy of Resilience; Developing Further, Serving Better,” the anniversary celebrations will reflect on the company’s achievements while setting the tone for its next phase of growth.

She said GACL’s future priorities would include strengthening infrastructure, adopting smarter technology, improving operational efficiency, ensuring sustainable financial performance and delivering better experiences for passengers and stakeholders.

Opare urged staff and industry partners to build on the contributions of past leaders and continue to promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation and service.

She said the company’s first 20 years had laid a strong foundation, adding that the years ahead must be marked by renewed purpose and a commitment to strengthening Ghana’s position as a gateway to Africa and the world.







MA