President John Dramani Mahama on Monday,August 4,commissioned a new Air Navigation Service (ANS) facility at Kotoka International Airport, positioning Ghana as a central hub for aviation safety and traffic management in West Africa.
The state-of-the-art system is designed to improve the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft across Ghanaian airspace and portions of the wider sub-region. Officials say the facility—set to be operationally separated from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)—marks a major step toward aligning with international standards in aviation oversight.
The ANS will deliver a full suite of services, including air traffic management (ATM), communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), aeronautical information services (AIS), and meteorological data for air navigation. These components will operate in an integrated framework, aimed at managing traffic flow, reducing the risk of collisions, and enhancing overall flight efficiency.
The new system also supports air-to-ground communications, aircraft monitoring, and the distribution of flight plans, weather updates, and aeronautical charts. It will house the Passenger Information Unit (PIU), tasked with managing the country’s Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
Push for e-Visa Integration
During the commissioning, President Mahama directed the Ministries of Transport, Foreign Affairs, and the Interior to collaborate on implementing a long-delayed electronic visa system.
“The API and PNR systems provide a robust digital platform. I’m calling for immediate collaboration to expand this platform and implement the e-visa system,” he said. “This should extend to land and sea borders, integrate with our e-gate systems, and eventually include advanced cargo information capabilities.”
The e-visa initiative, he added, would streamline entry procedures, support tourism, and position Ghana as a more competitive destination for business and investment.
“The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind,” Mahama said, urging expansion of the system to other key terminals, including the Kumasi and Tamale International Airports.
Decoupling Oversight and Operations
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized that under current arrangements, the GCAA serves both as a regulator and a service provider—an arrangement that contradicts international best practices.
“In a modern and safe aviation ecosystem, a clear separation of roles is essential,” he said. “That’s why the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Act 2020 (Act 1051) created the Air Navigation Services Agency, ensuring independent oversight and high safety standards.”
Regional Significance
According to Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General of the GCAA, the new ANS facility is among the most advanced in Africa—second only to a similar system in South Africa.
“This installation represents Ghana’s ambition to lead in aviation safety, innovation, and regional connectivity,” he said. “It will serve as the operational nerve center of our national airspace, supporting Ghana’s goal of a 24-hour economy and ensuring aircraft are managed with precision by a highly trained team.”
The project underscores Ghana’s strategic investment in aviation infrastructure as the country aims to position itself as a logistics and travel hub in West Africa.
