A pivotal moment unfolded for the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) as its new Governing Board was yesterday officially inaugurated.
Presiding over the ceremony, Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, challenged the incoming members to unleash their collective expertise and innovative spirit to swiftly ignite Ghana's vision, transforming it into the undisputed aviation hub of West Africa.
Delivering the inaugural address, Hon. Nikpe extended warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated the appointees for accepting to serve. He described their appointments as strategic, citing their diverse backgrounds and proven contributions to national development.
“Your contribution will greatly impact the realisation of the government’s goal to position Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport as the destination of choice for all travellers within the sub-region,” he emphasised.
The Minister outlined key responsibilities of the new board, which include taking strategic decisions, ensuring good corporate governance, and providing leadership to enhance the performance and competitiveness of GACL and encouraged the Board to consider non-aeronautical investments and explore innovative revenue streams to improve the company’s fortunes.
He also acknowledged recent progress made within the aviation sector, including extended operational hours at both the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi (now 8 pm–11 pm) and Tamale International Airport (now 6 pm–10 pm), to increase passenger flexibility and convenience, and expressed hope that these enhancements would attract more airlines and revive domestic interest in air travel.
The sector Minister, however, cautioned against boards overstepping their mandate by interfering in management roles without prior consultation with the supervising Ministry while reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to provide policy direction and support to the Board.
The newly constituted Board of the Ghana Airports Company Limited comprises: Hon. James Agalga (MP) – Chairman
Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare – Member
Mr Mark William Attipoe – Member
Group Captain David Djan Nkansah – Member
Hon. Attah Issah (MP) – Member
Hon. William Ntebe Ayo (MP) – Member
Mr Kwabena Amponsah Dapaah – Member
Ms Diana Amakie Ashong – Member
Mr Joseph Enimil-Armah – Member
The Chairman of the Board, Hon. James Agalga, thanked the President and the Minister for Transport on behalf of his colleagues and expressed deep gratitude for the honour and confidence reposed in them.
“We assure you that we will operate strictly within the mandate given us and will remain focused on providing strategic leadership, promoting good governance, and supporting policy implementation to make Ghana the aviation hub of the West African sub-region. We will rely on your guidance and the support of the Ministry, and whenever necessary, we will not hesitate to engage with you,” Hon. Agalga said.
