Joseph Nikpe Bukari
Parliament has ratified six Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) between Ghana and the Governments of Qatar, Guyana, Benin, Luxembourg, Mauritius and Saudi Arabia, which will pave the way for expanded international aviation cooperation and enhanced connectivity.
The agreements were laid before the House by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, and referred to the Committee on Roads and Transportation, in collaboration with the Leadership of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for consideration and report in line with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Presenting its reports, the Committee explained that the agreements form part of the country’s broader strategy to liberalise the aviation sector, strengthen international partnerships, and position the country as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
It noted that BASAs provide the legal framework for designated airlines to operate scheduled international services, defining traffic rights, safety and security standards, airline designation, and commercial arrangements.
The agreement with Qatar, for instance, establishes a framework for cooperation between the aeronautical authorities of both countries, granting rights of overflight, technical landing, and scheduled services for passengers, cargo, and mail.
It also prohibits cabotage while promoting code-sharing arrangements and expanded route access.
Similarly, the agreement with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana seeks to deepen aviation cooperation and enhance connectivity between both countries, with expected benefits in trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and investment promotion.
The Benin agreement, grounded in African aviation liberalisation frameworks, is expected to strengthen regional integration and improve access to air transport markets within the sub-region.
The Luxembourg and Mauritius agreements were also described as key instruments to enhance air connectivity, promote competition among designated airlines, and support economic development through improved passenger and cargo movement.
For the Saudi Arabia agreement, Parliament was told it establishes a modern and liberal framework for scheduled air services, emphasising competition, consumer benefits, safety, and commercial flexibility in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
Members of Parliament subsequently approved all six agreements, describing them as critical to boosting Ghana’s international connectivity, expanding trade and tourism opportunities, and reinforcing the country’s long-term ambition of becoming a major aviation gateway in the sub-region.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House