Ghana Calls for Stronger Cooperation to Close Aviation Safety Gaps in Africa | Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called for greater international cooperation to help African states strengthen aviation safety oversight, modernize air navigation systems, and build climate-resilient infrastructure.
Speaking at the 42nd Triennial Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Hon. Nikpe reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to safe, secure, and sustainable aviation, stressing that collective effort is needed to close the gap between Africa and other regions in meeting global safety standards.
“Ghana strongly supports ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative. But to make it meaningful, we need enhanced collaboration to ensure that all African states can address safety oversight gaps and keep pace with global aviation reforms,” he told delegates.
The Minister noted that Ghana has made significant progress in its aviation sector, including the launch of the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems in August 2025. These, he said, align with ICAO standards and UN Security Council Resolution 2178, representing a major step forward in strengthening aviation security.
Hon. Nikpe also highlighted Ghana’s investment in airport infrastructure, with Kotoka International Airport positioned as the hub of the sector, and Kumasi and Tamale Airports upgraded to international status. Plans are in place for a national airline, a state-of-the-art flight training school, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to serve West Africa.
On environmental sustainability, he reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ICAO’s net-zero goals through the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and exploration of sustainable aviation fuels. He also emphasized inclusivity, noting Ghana’s representation by a female delegate in line with ICAO’s Gender Equality Programme.
Following his address, Hon. Nikpe met ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, who commended Ghana’s leadership in African aviation and pledged ICAO’s support. The Minister also engaged his counterparts from Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates to deepen regional and bilateral aviation cooperation.
