Transport Minister, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has given the newly inaugurated Board of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) a clear, firm directive to make safety and security in Ghana’s airspace your top priority, rigorously adhering to international standards.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Accra, he warned that Ghana's anticipated financial gains from its aviation sector would be "eluded" if safety and security protocols, as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17 and related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), were not "vigorously enforced".

Mr Nikpe outlined the Board's statutory duties under the GCAA Act, 2024 (Act 1120), which include providing strategic oversight, ensuring efficient resource use, and supervising the Authority's effective performance. He noted the timely nature of their appointment, given the aviation industry's pivotal moment demanding experienced guidance and bold decisions.

"As a board, let's commit to promoting, to the greatest extent possible, a harmonised and inclusive approach to facilitate safe international air travel and strengthen the confidence of the travelling public,” he urged.

He called for a renewed investment in advanced equipment for communication and surveillance systems to boost coordination and airspace safety while acknowledging ongoing progress, he stressed the continuous need for innovation to keep Ghana in its leading position for aviation safety within the West African sub-region and specifically referenced Ghana’s impressive 89.89% score in the 2018 ICAO safety audit, the highest in Africa, as a benchmark the new board must aim to surpass.

Minister Nikpe reminded the Board of its supervisory role under the Ministry of Transport and cautioned against encroaching on management functions. He emphasised the necessity of a collaborative but clearly defined relationship between the Board and GCAA management.

The new members of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Board include:

· Mr Simon Christopher Molai Allotey – Chairman

· Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur

· Mrs Mabel Asi Sagoe

· Group Captain Fiifi Adu Boadu

· Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni

· Captain Nathaniel Kojo Anderson

· Okatakyi Komeh VIII

· Eunice Grant

· Linda Assibi Awuni

The GCAA serves as the regulatory body overseeing civil aviation in Ghana, with responsibilities that include air safety, airspace management, and compliance with international aviation regulations.