Accra: Mr. Frank Kofi Apeagyi, the Director of Ghana Aviation Training Academy, has called on the government to take deliberate actions in training more aviation professionals to address the anticipated workforce gap in the aviation industry, as projected by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
According to Ghana News Agency, the aviation sector will need over 350,000 pilots by 2026 to maintain operations, indicating a looming pilot shortage due to insufficient trained professionals. ICAO also forecasts that global passenger traffic will surpass 12 billion by 2030 and reach 19.5 billion by 2042, marking a twofold increase compared to 2024 levels. Additionally, ICAO projects that international passenger traffic will grow faster than domestic traffic over the next thirty years, with international traffic expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3.3 percent between 2024 and 2053, while domestic traffic will grow at a slightly slower pace of 2.8 percent. .
Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Transport and Logistics Fair (GTLF) 2025 in Accra, Mr. Apeagyi emphasized the opportunity for Ghana to fill the workforce gap resulting from increased passenger traffic, which could help reduce the country's unemployment rate. He advocated for investment in training more aviation professionals, including pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance engineers.
Mr. Apeagyi noted the importance of aligning the training programs of universities and technical institutions with industry standards to produce graduates ready for the aviation sector. He suggested that qualified professionals could be exported to meet international demand and eventually return to support the local industry.
The GTLF, organized by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with Digital Eye, aims to showcase innovation and attract investment to redefine Ghana's transport and logistics sectors. Mr. Apeagyi, who also serves as the President of the International Federation of Aviation Engineers, highlighted the economic benefits of reviving Ghana's national carrier.
President John Dramani Mahama, during the opening of the GTLF, reaffirmed the government's commitment to re-establish the national carrier through a public-private partnership. Mr. Apeagyi stated that a national carrier would create significant job opportunities, including roles in cabin crew and aircraft maintenance.
Madam Alissar Kalmoni, an Air Traffic Controller, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between training institutions and industry to ensure programs meet industry demands and equip learners with the necessary skills for employment. She also urged the government to provide scholarships for individuals from 'vulnerable' backgrounds to pursue aviation careers.
Professor Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE DL, Managing Director of Fafali Aircraft, encouraged more women to enter the aviation industry, highlighting the availability of diverse job opportunities for women, such as air traffic controllers, flight attendants, engineers, and pilots.
