Aviation Challenges Await Transport Minister-Designate | By Dominick Andoh | As the Transport Minister-designate, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, awaits his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, AviationGhana examines some key issues he will face once approved by the 276-member legislature.
Mr Nikpe, who represents the Saboba Constituency, faces numerous challenges within Ghana’s aviation sector. Nevertheless, each of these challenges also presents opportunities for innovation and improvement. Among the pressing issues he must address are the ongoing modernisation of Kotoka International Airport, the impact of high taxes on air tickets, enhancements to passenger experience through the redesign of Terminal 2, facilitating the establishment of a new national airline, and optimising the use of Ho Airport.
One of the most immediate challenges is the impending closure of the main runway at Kotoka International Airport for essential repair works. This crucial infrastructure upgrade is likely to lead to temporary flight disruptions during early morning hours.
The runway is expected to be closed for six (6) hours daily starting on March 30, 2025, for critical maintenance. This maintenance is projected to last two years and conclude on March 30, 2027. During this time, the runway will be completely shut down daily from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time. Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Allied Air Cargo, and Ethiopian Airlines are the principal airlines impacted by the runway closure.
Mr Nikpe, in collaboration with the state-owned Ghana Airports Company Limited, must lead the development of an effective communication strategy to keep airlines and passengers informed about the upcoming changes and minimise inconveniences. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and reassuring travellers of their safety and comfort during the repair process.
Moreover, Nikpe will need to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the airport’s operational capacity remains intact. This may involve collaborating with airlines to schedule flights during non-construction hours; ultimately, ensuring a smooth transition during this critical repair phase will reflect the ministry’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
Another critical aspect Nikpe should address is the high taxation on air tickets, which continues to hinder accessibility to air travel for a larger segment of the population. The existing tax structure has been identified as contributing to elevated ticket prices, deterring many from choosing air travel over other modes of transportation. By advocating for a reduction in taxes on air tickets, he could stimulate demand for air travel, bolster the tourism sector, and promote increased economic activity. Engaging with the Ministry of Finance to explore tax incentives or lower taxes for international flights could facilitate this goal, making air travel more affordable while benefiting both airlines and passengers.
Additionally, as part of the government’s ambitions to enhance travel experiences, the ongoing redesign of the interior of Terminal 2 to accommodate both domestic and regional airlines presents another opportunity within Nikpe’s purview. This initiative by GACL aims to improve both domestic and international passenger flow, streamline check-in processes, and elevate overall airport aesthetics. By adopting modern designs and technologies, such as automated check-in kiosks and upgraded baggage handling systems, Terminal 2 could transform into a more efficient and user-friendly environment for travellers. Collaborating with architects and aviation specialists to incorporate sustainable practices into the redesign will also position Ghana favourably in the global conversation about greener airports.
Ghana has been without a national airline since the collapse of Ghana International Airlines in 2010, following the demise of Ghana Airways in 2004. Attempts to establish a new home-based carrier have led to the signing of MoUs with multiple entities, but the outcomes have been unclear.
Mr Nikpe would be responsible for helping realise President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to facilitate the establishment of a new national airline for the country. Ghana Airlines, a public-private initiative by the Government of Ghana to operationalise a home-based carrier, is not yet ready to fly despite initial assurances that the airline would start selling tickets in April and May and commence commercial flights by June-July 2023. Ashanti Airlines and its financial partner, Zotus Group, won the tender to commence business in 2024, but the airline has yet to take to the skies.
The Ho Airport, constructed as part of a broader government plan to establish an airport in every region under the previous Mahama-led administration, has been underutilised. With mounting maintenance costs and no clear revenue stream, there is an urgent need to find a purpose for the US$25 million facility, deemed commercially unprofitable for scheduled domestic flights by existing airline operators.
Passion Air and Africa World Airlines (AWA) initially attempted to serve Ho Airport but were suspended mainly due to a lack of passengers. The facility has largely remained idle, incurring significant overhead costs for the facility manager, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
President Mahama now envisions a bustling pilot training hub at the facility. If and when Parliament approves his nomination, Mr Nikpe will oversee the actualisation of this vision.
Aviation Challenges Await Transport Minister-Designate | AviationGhana
