The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has pledged to strengthen airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger experience as it marks 20 years of operations.

Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Afriyie Opare, said the company’s next phase of development would focus on stronger infrastructure, smarter technology, sustainable financial performance and improved services for passengers and stakeholders.

She made the remarks in a speech read at the official launch of GACL’s 20th anniversary celebrations, held under the theme, “A Legacy of Resilience; Developing Further, Serving Better.”

Afriyie Opare said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the company’s journey, recognise the contributions of past and present leaders, and renew its commitment to the future of Ghana’s aviation industry.

“Today is more than the launch of an anniversary celebration. It is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, honour the people and partnerships that have shaped our history, celebrate our collective achievements and renew our commitment to the future of Ghana’s aviation industry,” she said.

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

Over the past two decades, the company has overseen major airport infrastructure developments, including Terminal 3 at Accra International Airport and the upgrading and development of Tamale International Airport and Prempeh I International Airport.

Afriyie Opare also highlighted the ongoing repurposing and modification of Terminal 2 at Accra International Airport to serve international operations.

She said the projects reflected Ghana’s ambition to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and improve its competitiveness in the West African sub-region.

“These achievements represent more than buildings, terminals and facilities. They reflect our nation’s aspirations, our commitment to progress and our determination to position Ghana as a competitive aviation hub in the West African sub-region,” she said.

The Managing Director also acknowledged that GACL had faced economic uncertainties, changing industry dynamics and the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, she said the company had remained committed to maintaining safe, secure and efficient airport operations.

“It is this spirit of perseverance, transformation and service that our anniversary theme captures so powerfully: ‘A Legacy of Resilience; Developing Further, Serving Better,’” she said.

Afriyie Opare said the company’s responsibility extended beyond maintaining existing infrastructure to ensuring that its airports met changing passenger expectations and the highest applicable standards of safety, security, efficiency and service excellence.

She also paid tribute to former boards and managing directors for their contributions to the company’s growth and development.

She commended the current board, chaired by the Majority Leader of Parliament, James Agalga, for its guidance and support.

The managing director further praised GACL staff, describing them as central to the company’s achievements, including recognition for airport departures, transformation and innovation.

“You are the heartbeat of this organisation, the image of our company as thousands of passengers travel through our terminals daily,” she said.

She urged staff to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism while treating passengers with kindness and respect.

Afriyie Opare also acknowledged the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, airlines, security agencies, Customs, Immigration, ground handling companies, financial institutions, service providers and other aviation stakeholders for their continued collaboration.

She expressed appreciation to the government, particularly President John Dramani Mahama and the sector minister, as well as sponsors and partners supporting the anniversary celebrations.

As part of the launch, GACL unveiled its 20th anniversary logo, which she said symbolised the company’s shared history, resilience and ambitions for the future.

She said the next chapter of the company’s development must be guided by professionalism, accountability, innovation and service.

“The first twenty years have laid a strong foundation. The years ahead must be about building on that foundation with renewed purpose, greater ambition and an unwavering commitment to our national mandate,” she said.

Afriyie Opare called on GACL staff, stakeholders, partners and well-wishers to support the company as it works to strengthen Ghana’s position as a gateway to Africa and the world.