Since Ghana has no many local carriers, like Nigeria’s Arik Air and Medview, which operate Lagos-Accra flights, the strategy of partnership with international carriers and other airlines has helped to boost its aviation market.

The population of foreign investors and students in the country has continued to increase, thereby contributing to increased traffic at its airports.

Senator Ben Murray Bruce, chairman of neighbouring Nigeria’s senate committee on privatisation and a member of the senate aviation committee, recently admitted: “Ghana’s aviation sector is expanding at the expense of Nigeria’s. Ghana is the new aviation hub in west Africa.”

He continued: “There is something that Ghana has, which Nigeria does not have. It is the ability to separate critical sectors of the economy, like air transport, from politics.”

More airports in Ghana are being upgraded to international status.
President John Dramani Mahama recently inaugurated the first phase of the expansion and upgrade of the Tamale Airport to international status. This project involves, among other work, the extension of the runway from 2,480 metres to about 3,940 metres and the installation of a lighting system to accommodate bigger aircraft.

He said the project, which was being undertaken by Brazilian firm, Geiroz Galvao Construction, became necessary because of the increasing number of airlines that use Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and the growing demand for domestic air transport.

The Tamale Airport expansion project, when completed, is expected to increase capacity to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, such as Boeing 747-800 series, and upgrade facilities comparable to those at KIA. If for any reason an aircraft cannot land at KIA, it would be diverted to Tamale.

KIA’s Terminal 3 project, which began in March 2016, is expected to ease the pressure on the existing two terminals. It should be able to handle up to five million passengers a year, with an expansion potential of up to 6.5 million. Construction of the new terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

During the recent recurring incidence of aviation fuel shortage in Nigeria, most Nigerian airlines have been compelled to lift fuel from Ghana. Actually, most international airlines that operate flights from Lagos, Nigeria have, over the years, done their fuelling in Accra because the cost of aviation fuel is lower than in Nigeria. This has even supported the airlines’ argument for charging European and American-bound passengers lower fares than their counterparts travelling from Lagos.

In August 2016, Ghana dropped its aviation fuel price by 20% following consultations between President Mahama and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The president said the objective was “to further improve the volumes of airlines that fly into the country”, adding that the government’s vision of making Accra the preferred aviation hub in west Africa was on track, and that the phenomenal increase in traffic, particularly transit traffic, coupled with the expansion of KIA, gave credence to the fact that Ghana was becoming an attractive destination.

Investors have already embarked on establishing comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centres in Accra to service the entire west African sub-region.

Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says it has intensified efforts to enhance safety and strengthen compliance levels in operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practices.

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

Blue3k:


It is accurate comparison. What you typed is simply an excuse not to think like most other politicians do when problem occurs. The issue has to do with our policies and price points airlines operate at.

Nigeria's aviation sector is on ropes while there's is expanding. Also they don't even have domestic carries. They also offer lower fuel cost. Lastly they're proactive about upgrading airport runways.

Kyase:

With the size of Ghana Nigeria should have been a first world country.......

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

Kyase:

With the size of Ghana Nigeria should have been a first world country.......

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa
In terms of size
So the comparison won't be accurate

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

onatisi:

See excuse !!!
Smh

Horus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmONiejlrAA

Upgrading Our Airports for a Pleasant Travel Experience

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

PetroDolla4:
you are talking crap! What has size got to do with sh1t?

sarrki:


100% right

Kyase:

With the size of Ghana Nigeria should have been a first world country.......

sarrki:
Ghana is like kano and jigawa

In terms of size

So the comparison won't be accurate

Caseless:
Don't tell me you don't know the circumstances that led to the takeover of arik air?
You people make us believe it's all rosy in Ghana, I followed their campaign leading to the last election and I realized it's somehow a similar story.

Kyase:

With the size of Ghana Nigeria should have been a first world country.......

freeze001:


It has nothing to do with size. Size of a country does not have any bearing on development strides made by a country. That is a function of visionary leadership, political will and astute policy making. Nigeria has failed and still fails at this. That is why that title 'Giant of Africa'
is a misnomer that we don't deserve,certainly not because of mere size n population.

In fact the smaller a country or a group, d easier to manage and that is why there are always distinct groupings and subsets within any developed country with sufficient authority and autonomy to keep them mostly independent of the centre under one name. This again is why Nigeria continues and will continue to fail. Until the foundation and structure is addressed, Nigeria remains a helplessly beached whale flailing uselessly and gasping for breath. If u cook then you'll know it's easier and cheaper to create tasteful dishes in smaller quantities than in larger ones for occasions.

Nigeria runs d most expensive democracy in the world which she can ill afford yet here we are...

FeloniousFelon:


If size is the problem plaguing Nigeria ask the zombie if he will agree to Nigeria's dissolution and see him kick and scream "enemy o the

freeze001:


I just don't get the hangup on size displayed by some people. Where do we measure with countries like Israel, Sweden, Switzerland and even South Africa here as small as they are? Nigeria is not up to half of the US yet they are aeons ahead because of a sound structure not this nonsense central feeding system we call federalism.

freeze001:


I just don't get the hangup on size displayed by some people. Where do we measure with countries like Israel, Sweden, Switzerland and even South Africa here as small as they are? Nigeria is not up to half of the US yet they are aeons ahead because of a sound structure not this nonsense central feeding system we call federalism.