Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Monday commissioned the new Air Navigation Services (ANS) Building at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra (KIA). The President also launched Ghana's Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Systems, housed within the building, marking a significant advancement in the country's aviation infrastructure.
According to Ghana News Agency, the newly commissioned building is set to become the central operational hub for delivering essential air navigation functions, ensuring the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft in both controlled airspace and at aerodromes. This state-of-the-art infrastructure will support a comprehensive range of aviation services, including 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).
The ANS building will also house the Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC), a national collaborative operations center that includes key stakeholders such as INTERPOL, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Police Service, Customs Division - Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana National Fire Service, and other relevant international partners.
In his keynote address, President Mahama emphasized that the event marks a milestone in efforts to strengthen Ghana's aviation sector and establish the country as a regional hub for safe, secure, and modern air transport services. He highlighted the significance of the project as a commitment to transforming the aviation sector through strategic investments and digital innovation.
President Mahama noted that Ghana's strong reputation for aviation safety and airspace security in the West African subregion is a result of deliberate investments in regulation, personnel training, and infrastructure. He affirmed that the commissioning of the ANS building further consolidates these efforts, providing a technologically advanced environment for aviation professionals.
The President also outlined the broader national vision to position Ghana as the aviation hub of West Africa, stressing the importance of investing in air navigation and safety oversight. He described the launch of the API and PNR Systems as a technological and strategic leap forward, enhancing border security, counterterrorism, and safe mobility.
Transport Minister Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe stated that the commissioning of the ANS Building and the launch of the API and PNR Systems demonstrate the Government's commitment to maintaining the safety and security of Ghana's airspace. Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, expressed gratitude to the President and reiterated his commitment to advancing the President's vision for the aviation sector.
Mr. Francis Bullen Gavor, CEO of Rock Africa, explained that the API/PNR Command Centre is a national security infrastructure aimed at strengthening prearrival intelligence, inter-agency collaborations, and broader decision-making, replacing outdated paper-based processes with real-time data access.
