Ing Simon Allotey speaking to journalists after the opening ceremony
A high-level China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Programme has been held in Accra to explore ways to improve the aviation industry.
It was organized by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme, ‘China-Africa Regional Aviation Cooperation: Prospects and policy recommendations.’
The outcome of conference will serve as basis for discussions at a conference in Beijing, China on the aviation industry in Africa later.
Opening the conference, Minister of Aviation Cecilia Abena Dapaah, said the government has resolved to make Ghana a hub of the aviation sector in the sub-region.
She acknowledged the frustrations involved in air travel, particularly on the African continent due to inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity and limited expertise.
She said that the government would work hard to make the sector attractive.
There is huge economic potential in the aviation industry in Africa, and China and Africa are capable of taking advantage of the benefits to boost accelerated development, the Minister added.
Ms Dapaah said the upgrading of the Kumasi Airport to international status is on course and added that a new terminal at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) started by the previous government would soon be commissioned.
She also announced that two mini airports in Ho and Wa in the Volta and Upper West Regions respectively are ready, and commended the Chinese government for offering scholarships to some Ghanaians to upgrade their skills in the aviation industry.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Developing together with the African aviation industry,’ Ing Simon Allotey, Director-General of GCAA, stressed the need for constant knowledge sharing and stronger ties to overcome the challenges and make the industry better.
He said GCAA is committed to adopting measures to ensure safety through conformity with international standards in its safety oversight obligations.
Managing Director of Civil Aircraft Marketing and Sales at Avic International Aero-Development Corporation, Shi Yanfeng, reiterated China’s commitment to developing the industry in Africa and touted the future potential of China’s involvement on the continent.
Speaking on the topic, “Promoting China-Africa Cooperation on Aviation Industry in the context of the current policy framework,” Jiang Zhouteng, acting Chinese Ambassodor, said the cooperation is growing and that the aviation industry is still underdeveloped.
“There is greater potential for the aviation industry in Africa, and China is committed to playing a key role in the development,” he added
By William Yaw Owusu