GCAA STAFF EMBARK ON STRIKE OVER ENCROACHED AIRPORT LANDS

Staff of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), began a four-day strike from yesterday, Tuesday July 5, to July 8, in protest for the release of some encroached aviation lands.

According to the staff, their action could result in flight disruptions at the Kotoka International Airport.

The strike may result in some disruptions to services of the GCAA from the following sections as part of the road map toward securing the La Nkwantanang lands:

•  Audit and Finance – no issuance of some cheques;
•  AIS – no circulation of domestic NOTAM and flight plans; 
• Drivers – no transport services after picking and dropping staff;
• Safety Regulations – no inspections; 
•  Exit and Procurement – no services to external clients

The staff served notice of the intended strike on June 21, over the encroachment and warned that the appropriation of lands reserved for aviation traffic purposes by private developers and politicians risked compromising aviation security and safety in Ghana.

In a statement, the staff said lands at Adenta (La Nkwantanang) and Labadi (La Wireless) meant to be developed into receiving and transmitting stations, respectively, have been appropriated for residential purposes, thus, exposing Ghana’s air transport safety and security to vulnerability.

“For months, HF equipment, purchased by GCAA, worth over 600,000 Euros for installation at La Nkwantanang to enhance communication are still in GCAA’s stores. Our engineers have been denied access to the site to make a preliminary preparation ahead of the arrival of their foreign counterparts due in the country on the 1st of July, 2016,” the statement said.

“Our inability to install the HF equipment, as well as other navigational equipment at the site, will have a dire consequence on aviation safety in Accra airspace. The control of aircraft over the Oceanic is seriously being hampered by this unfortunate situation.

“We are aware that the management of GCAA, as well as the Ministry of Transport, has made several appeals and has justified the need to, at least, give about 250 acres of the land back to GCAA, but all to no avail.

“We want to reiterate that if the said land is not released for the installation of this vital equipment, the system can shut down and we may not be able to provide Air Traffic Services over the ocean and other portions of the airspace. This will have safety and security implications for the country and the industry in general,” the staff warned.

Ghana Aviation - The Birth of a World Class Airline is Eminent

The Future of Ghana Aviation - Take Pride in the Developement

THE PAST, PRESENT and THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IN GHANA

• The failure of Ghana Airways, later compounded by the collapse of Ghana International Airlines (GIA) was a serious blow to the Ghanaian psyche. One would read comments on the Ghana Web and various blogs that Ghanaians were simply not capable of operating an airline. It should be shown to the rest of the world that Ghanaians are ready, willing and able to prove themselves in the airline industry, just as they have done in so many other areas in today's modern world. The day will soon come again, when Ghanaian pilots, crew, management and staff will carry their heads proudly in cities around the world, where the Ghana flag will appear once again.

• Some basic rationale in support of this claim:

Ø  It is not acceptable that some 30 foreign airlines serve Kotoka International Airport, reaping the benefits from operating some of the most lucrative routes in the world's air transportation system, while Ghana - the host country - does not operate a single international flight.

Ø  It is not acceptable that Ghana has no operating carrier offering service for passengers or cargo to/from the neighbouring countries up and down the coast of West Africa.

Ø   It is not acceptable that the many capable staffs who had invested their lives in aviation carriers, are still without work and prospects in the industry. Ghana can offer trained and educated youth and personnel to fill any position in the airline industry.

v  Over the last ten years that have passed since the three West African carriers have ceased operations, there have been several important developments in the region that support the development and growth of a West African airline:

Ø  Ghana has further developed a peaceful and stable democracy, becoming the favourite West African destination for business and tourism alike. 

Ø  The Ghanaian Diaspora abroad, whether in the UK, the United States or elsewhere has grown by leaps and bound. Ghanaians abroad have made a name for themselves as respected and successful citizens, who have the means to travel "home" regularly.
West Africa, as a region is now peaceful. Conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast have ended. This opens new opportunities for robust growth of trade and commerce throughout the area. 

Ø  Ghana has joined the club of oil exporting nations. An international airline is an integral part of the infrastructure that a modern Ghana needs to develop and have one. 

Ø  Ghana is in the process of advancing its export industries, - agriculture in particular. Roads have been built and the railways are being extended, to bring people and cargo to major centres. Ghana needs its own airline to make export markets accessible.

Ø  Ghana already offers education to students on all levels. The country needs job opportunities for graduating students that an international airline does provide

THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IN GHANA

Get involved in  the Development

This article is written by and Ingo Blondal a West Africa aviation and tourism expert - former resident of Accra and Joe Klatsi (Aviation expert and Aerospace Engineer). Further articles on this subject matter are to follow. His writings represent the views of a group of individuals, located in West Africa and the United States who wish to see a new African airline rise from the ashes. It is an ambitious, but realistic and worthwhile goal.

Many Ghanaians yearn for a new national airline to be born. Ghana has been without an airline for too long. Ghanaians used to have the option to patronize their own airline or to avail themselves of services offered by the many foreign companies. Today the Ghanaian option does not exist, while the UK offers flights by two British airlines and Delta Airlines from the United States flies to/from Accra twice a-day. Many West Africans who live in the US do still have to travel via Europe to reach their West African destinations. Imagine the thousands who have endured long waits at European airports, squandering time and money. All they want is to make it home in a comfortable and affordable manner.
Like this the West African has no choices. The Sierra Leonian cannot travel home for Christmas, as there are no seats - not even via Europe. If a seat can be found the cost is heavy. The same applies to many other Africans, who must accept the cost and the inconvenience - or stay home.

“ It is time for Ghana to accept the challenge. With diligence and hard work this ambitious project will be brought to fruition. We are convinced that thousands of Ghanaians are prepared to support our efforts in the spirit of national pride and unity”.