By Felix Cofie
Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has charged the newly inaugurated Board of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to prioritize safety and security in Ghana’s airspace in line with international standards.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Mr. Nikpe emphasized that the economic prospects Ghana hopes to gain from its aviation sector could be lost if safety and security protocols are not vigorously enforced.
“You will agree that the envisaged economic benefits will elude the nation if we lose sight of reinforcing safety and security protocols as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17 and related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs),” he stated.The Minister also conveyed warm greetings and congratulations from President John Dramani Mahama to the new board, describing their appointment as both an honour and a heavy responsibility.
Mr. Nikpe outlined the statutory responsibilities of the Board under the GCAA Act, 2024 (Act 1120), which include providing strategic oversight, ensuring efficient use of resources, and supervising the effective performance of the Authority.
He described the appointment as timely, noting that the aviation industry is at a pivotal moment that demands experienced guidance and bold decision-making.
“As a board, let us commit to promoting, to the greatest extent possible, a harmonized and inclusive approach to facilitate safe international air travel and strengthen the confidence of the travelling public,” he urged.The Transport Minister called for renewed investment in advanced equipment for communication and surveillance systems to boost coordination and airspace safety. He acknowledged ongoing progress in the sector but stressed the need for continued innovation to maintain Ghana’s leading position in aviation safety within the West African sub-region.
He referenced Ghana’s top performance in the 2018 ICAO safety audit, where the country scored 89.89%, the highest in Africa, as a benchmark the new board must aim to exceed.
Mr. Nikpe reminded the Board of its supervisory role under the Ministry of Transport and cautioned against encroaching on management functions. He emphasized the need for a collaborative but clearly defined relationship between the Board and GCAA management.
New GCAA Board Members
The reconstituted GCAA Board of Directors includes:
1. Simon Christopher Molai Allotey – Chairman
2. Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur – Member
3. Mrs. Mabel Asi Sagoe – Member
4. Group Captain Fiifi Adu Boadu – Member
5. Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni (MP) – Member
6. Captain Nathaniel Kojo Anderson – Member
7. Okotakyi Komeh VIII – Member
8. Ms. Eunice Grany – Member
9. Ms. Linda Assiibi – Member
The Minister concluded with best wishes for the board and expressed the government’s unwavering support for their work, officially declaring the board inaugurated.
“His Excellency, the President has high confidence in your respective expertise and capabilities. It is therefore his expectation that you will bring your rich experiences to bear to support the resetting agenda of government,”.Inaugurating the board for the Ghana Airport Company limited, Mr Nikpe entreated the board to focus on innovative strategies, including the promotion of non-aeronautical investments, to improve the company’s fortunes and boost revenue generation,” he added.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Minister noted infrastructure upgrades across regional airports and pledged the Ministry’s continued support to airport expansion projects to promote connectivity, trade, and tourism.
He also lauded the extension of operational hours at Prempeh I International Airport (8pm to 11pm) and Tamale International Airport (6pm to 10pm), describing them as significant moves to improve flexibility and passenger convenience.
Mr. Nikpe urged the new Board to make bold, forward-looking decisions to position Ghana ahead of its regional peers. He also reminded them to uphold governance standards by working through the Ministry and avoiding interference in management roles.
“Under the governance framework, the Board is under the supervision of the Ministry and reports directly to it. The Board should not, under any circumstance, deal with other authorities without due consultation,” he cautioned.He reiterated President Mahama’s full confidence in the Board, urging them to align their work with the government’s broader resetting agenda for the transport and aviation sectors.
The new Board is chaired by Hon. James Agalga (MP) and includes:
1. Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare – Member
2. Mr. Mark William Attipoe – Member
3. Group Captain David Djan Nkansah – Member
4. Hon. Attah Issah (MP) – Member
5. Hon. William Ntebe Ayo (MP) – Member
6. Mr. Kwabena Amponsah Dapaah – Member
7. Ms. Diana Amakie Ashong – Member
8. Mr. Joseph Enimil-Armah – Member
The Minister concluded by pledging his office’s continued support for the Board’s work and officially declared the GACL Governing Board duly inaugurated.
The Transport Minister later inaugurated the board of Governors for the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau with Mr. Daniel Acquah- as Chairman
Other Members of the board are
- Mr. John Mmeb Kunyan Wumborti-Member
- Mrs. Justina Tete- Donkor-Member
- Mr. William Ato Kwamina Orhin-Member
- Prof. Daniel Atuah Obeng-Member
- Mr. Derrick Amaning Kwarteng-Member
- Dr. Juliana Abagsonema Abane-Member
