The brand-new Air Navigation Services (ANS) Building at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA) was officially opened on Monday by President John Dramani Mahama.
The Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Systems that are housed within the building were also launched by the President.
The building will be the primary operational hub for delivering essential air navigation functions, ensuring that aircraft can move safely, efficiently, and in a well-ordered manner throughout controlled airspace as well as at aerodromes
Air Traffic Services (ATS), Air Traffic Management (ATM), Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS), Aeronautical Information Services/Aeronautical Information Management (AIS/AIM), and Meteorological Services for Air Navigation (MET) will all be supported by this cutting-edge infrastructure.
The Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC), a national collaborative operations center that includes INTERPOL, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Police Service, the Customs Division – Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana National Fire Service, and other relevant international partners, will be housed in the ANS construction.
The President, in his keynote address, said the event marks another milestone in their effort to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector and project the country as a regional hub for safe, secure, modern air transport services.
“This is not merely the unveiling of an infrastructural project. It manifests our commitment to transforming our aviation sector through strategic investments, digital innovation, and global best practices,” he stated.
He added: “It represents our resolve to build a 21st century aviation ecosystem that is anchored on safety, efficiency, interagency collaboration, and service excellence. As many know, Ghana has maintained a strong reputation for aviation safety and airspace security in the West African subregion.”
President Mahama said this reputation had not been accidental; stating that it results from deliberate investment in the regulation, in training of personnel, in infrastructure, and the diligence of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and air navigation professionals; adding that the commissioning of the ANS building further consolidates these efforts.
He said this ultra-modern facility would now serve as a net center for Ghana’s airspace management, and it is fully equipped with the following air traffic services and management, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, aeronautical information services, and meteorological services.
The President said with this infrastructure, Ghana’s aviation professionals, particularly our air traffic controllers and system engineers, would operate in a conducive, technologically advanced environment, enhancing air safety, reducing delays, and improving coordination within the aircraft flight information region.
President Mahama said beyond the fiscal infrastructure, the launch of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) System signifies a technological and strategic leap forward.
He said with the API and PNR systems, Ghana joins a growing list of countries that are complying with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178, annex 9 of the International Civil Aviation Organization global frameworks that enhance border security, counterterrorism, and safe mobility.
Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Transport Minister, said the commissioning of the ANS Building and the launch of the API and PNR Systems were a testament to the Government’s commitment towards maintaining a high safety and security of Ghana’s airspace.
“Aviation safety and security are crucial elements of the air transport industry. And effective safety and security measures are essential for maintaining public trust,” he said.
Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, expressed gratitude to the President for the honour in appointing him as the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
He reiterated his commitment to advancing the President’s vision of “Resetting and Transforming Ghana’s Aviation sector into a resilient, secure and future ready Industry.”
Mr. Francis Bullen Gavor, the CEO of Rock Africa, said the API/PNR Command Centre was a national security infrastructure built to strengthen prearrival intelligence, inter-agencies collaborations and broader decision-making.
The system, he said, replaces the outdated paper-based manifest processes with real time structured and secured data access.
Source: myghanadaily
