Mr Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah, 1st from right
Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, Minister of Aviation has reiterated that the Western Region cannot be overlooked when it comes to aviation considering that it houses the oil and gas industry with its allied ventures, especially with a training center where all pilots are trained in the country.
He revealed that his outfit is also looking at a land it has acquired at Kajebil for the construction of an international airport which is now at the feasibility study stage pending approval from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP).
He said, the aviation sector has been recognised by President Akufo-Addo as a significant element of our economic development hence, the need to expand the sector by developing infrastructure and improving services to make sure that business development and tourism are supported to enhance the economic lives of Ghanaians.
The Minister who was on a tour to the Central and Western Regions to see the potentials the two regions have in the aviation space opined that the Takoradi Airport has immense significance because it serves the oil and gas industry and as well as the mining industry.
He further stated that his outfit is in consultation with the MOFEP to see how best air travel fares can be reduced to make it affordable to enable more Ghanaians to be able to do quick business and come back.
He added that many more airlines have shown interest and would soon take off to bring competition to the airfares so that it will come down for more Ghanaians to afford.
He said, though the renovation work was being done solely by the Ghana Airforce, the Ministry of Aviation has been able to identify the things that are needed in terms of money to support them to bring in gadgets to do civil works among others.
As such, his Ministry is liaising with the Ministry of Finance to raise some money to support them since the rehabilitation and reconfiguration for the arrival and departure halls will make ease and bring comfort to passengers.
Air Vice Marshal Frank Hanson, Chief of Air Staff said the Takoradi Airport has been in existence for over sixty (60) years and has since been the bedrock of aviation in Ghana and for that matter by expanding its operations will enable it take more domestic airlines to open the market for competition which will beat prices down for more patrons.
Western Regional Minister, Mr Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah noted that the absence of a civilian airport hampers air transport business in the region and for that matter the expansion was necessary to position the Base to be able to give more room to civilian passengers till the region gets an alternative airport.
He explained that the Ghana Airforce was already on the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority and can therefore do a proper collaboration to augment the operations of the airport which the MInister came to inspect and consider how it can support it to improve on its operations.
The renovation which is being done by the TonyDollyken Construction Limited started in June this year and is expected to be completed in December this year. Works include the renovation of the Airport Terminal building, expansion of Arrival/Departure Hall and the oil and gas facility.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
