The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has marked 20 years of establishment, citing airport infrastructure development, trade facilitation and tourism promotion among its contributions to Ghana’s aviation sector.
The anniversary, launched in Accra under the theme, “A Legacy of Resilience: Developing Further, Serving Better,” celebrates the company’s development since its establishment in January 2006 and commencement of operations in January 2007.
Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL, said the company had become a key pillar of Ghana’s aviation industry, connecting the country to international markets and supporting socio-economic development through airport management and infrastructure expansion.
She said the company had maintained its commitment to safe, secure and efficient airport operations despite economic challenges, changing industry dynamics and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through the management and development of our multi-airport system, we connect Ghana to the rest of the world, facilitate trade and tourism, support investments and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
Mrs Opare said the anniversary theme reflected both the company’s achievements and its commitment to further growth through innovation, strategic investment and improved service delivery.
She identified the development of Terminal Three at Kotoka International Airport, the upgrading of the airports in Tamale and Kumasi, and the ongoing repurposing of Terminal Two for international operations as major milestones in the company’s development.
Mrs Opare said the projects had increased airport capacity, improved passenger experience and strengthened Ghana’s competitiveness in the West African aviation market.
“These achievements represent more than buildings and infrastructure. They reflect our nation’s aspirations, our commitment to progress and our determination to position Ghana as a competitive aviation hub in the West African sub-region,” she said.
Mrs Opare said the industry’s evolving technological, safety and sustainability requirements meant that airports needed to continue adapting to emerging demands.
She paid tribute to past boards, managing directors and staff whose leadership and dedication had contributed to the company’s development over the past two decades.
Mrs Opare also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, airlines, security agencies, ground handling companies and concessionaires.
She commended employees for their professionalism and dedication, which she said had contributed to the company’s recent continental awards for excellence and customer service.
GACL was established in January 2006 following the separation of airport management functions from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority as part of reforms to align the country’s aviation industry with international best practices.
It commenced operations on January 1, 2007, with a mandate to plan, develop, manage and maintain airports and aerodromes across the country.
As an implementing agency under the Ministry of Transport, the company manages Kotoka International Airport, Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, Tamale International Airport, Ho Airport, Sunyani Airport, the Wa Airstrip and other airstrips nationwide.
Activities planned for the anniversary include the Airport Olympics and an anniversary lecture on November 9, followed by the GACL Shares with Students outreach programme for schools within the airport enclave on November 14 at El-Wak Stadium.
The celebrations will continue with a singing competition on December 11 and a national aviation quiz competition for senior high schools.
GNA
