President Mahama has officially launched a new Air Navigation Service (ANS) system at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. This new facility will act as a central hub for providing essential air navigation services to Ghana and parts of West Africa.
In the future, the ANS system will be separated from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to help improve the safe, smooth, and efficient movement of aircraft in both controlled airspace and at airports.
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The system will offer a complete range of aviation services. These include air traffic management, communication, navigation, surveillance, aeronautical information services, and weather updates that support air navigation.
All of these services will work together to manage air traffic, avoid collisions, keep planes safely separated, and improve overall efficiency.
The system will also support communication between aircraft and ground control, track aircraft movements, and provide important data, flight plans, maps, and weather updates for better flight planning and real-time decisions.
The facility will also include the Passenger Information Unit (PIU), which will manage systems for advanced passenger information and passenger name records.
Government Collaboration
President Mahama has asked the Ministries of Transport, Foreign Affairs, and the Interior to work together to speed up the introduction of electronic visa services in Ghana.
He explained that the new passenger information systems provide a strong digital platform that can support other important services.
“This is why I’m calling for joint efforts to expand the platform and finally bring in the long-awaited e-visa system,” he said.
He also urged that the system be extended to sea and land borders, connected with the country’s e-gate systems, and upgraded to include advanced cargo information to support customs operations.
President Mahama said the e-visa system would make it easier to apply for visas, reduce paperwork, support tourism, and make Ghana a more attractive destination for business.
“The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind,” he said. “We must think beyond Kotoka International Airport and also bring these systems to Terminal 2, the new Kumasi International Airport, and Tamale International Airport.”
Clear Roles Needed
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe explained that the GCAA currently acts both as the air transport regulator and the provider of air navigation services for the Accra Flight Information Region.
“In a modern and safe aviation environment, it’s important to clearly separate regulatory roles from service delivery,” he said.
He noted that this separation has not been the case in Ghana, but President Mahama’s vision since 2012 helped start the process.
In line with international best practices, the GCAA set up the Air Navigation Services Agency under the 2020 Act (Act 1051). This move was aimed at ending the situation where one organization played both roles and at raising safety standards.
A Big Step Forward
Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, said the new facility is one of the most advanced in the global aviation industry. It shows Ghana’s strong commitment to improving air navigation safety, innovation, and regional connections.
“This center will be the main control point for our national airspace,” Rev. Arthur said. “It will support our 24-hour economy and ensure that every aircraft in our skies is guided safely and accurately by our skilled and dedicated professionals.”
