Accra, Oct. 30, GNA – Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Roads and Transport, has stressed the need for continuous auditing and revision of systems for the delivery of world class aviation services.
“Achievements in the industry are attained by existing strong institutions with the capacity to deliver world class standards; and the consistency of this competence must be solidified by continuous auditing and revision of systems, structures and institutions in line with contemporary expectations and international obligations,” he said.
According to the Chairman, also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayensuano Constituency, Ghana had experienced its fair share of air traffic volumes in freight and passenger cargoes which called for the establishment of an autonomous institution as Air Navigation Services.
“This has hastened calls for the decoupling and the strengthening of infrastructure and its inherent institutions to meet both national and international obligations and best practices,” Mr Ayeh-Paye said.
The Air Navigation Services would provide not only air navigation safety but also support holistic drive of promoting the national image of Ghana in the global airspace.
Mr Ayeh-Paye made the suggestion, when Parliament was considering the Air Navigation Services Agency Bill, 2020, under a Certificate of Urgency, during the week.
“The Committee took cognisance of the impending ICAO Audit Review which is due to be conducted early in 2021 and which requires the Act to be in place for Ghana to fully meet the criteria for safety and security standards in Aviation industry.”
Also, the Committee, the Chairman noted, that air transport is one of the important modes of transport worldwide; the industry generates huge sum of revenue for the country which aids in national development.
He said though the country has an administrative Air Navigation structure under the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for the conduct of air navigation, it is not functionally independent and does not meet all the standards of ICAO recommended practices
The objectives of the Bill are to establish the Air Navigation Services Agency to provide air navigation service within the airspace of Ghana and any other airspace within the control of Ghana.
The establishment of the Agency will ensure Ghana’s compliance with International regulations, the avoidance of compromises in operations, improve decision-making and prevent the publication of the flight information region as unsafe.
It will also, not only enhance the air navigation service delivery within the Accra Flight Information Region but will also build capacity for consultancy within the sub-region
GNA