Ghana to host first aviation exposition

Ghana is to host the first-ever global aviation exposition in Africa in Accra, in 2014.As a prelude to that event, a Presidential Advisor, Mr PV Obeng, has launched the “African Air Expo 2014,” which would bring to Ghana all stakeholders in the aviation industry from around the world from October 9 to 11, 2014.
The event will be organised by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Internal Centre for Excellence (ICE) of Abu Dubai, who have been involved in the domain of aviation human capital development for years.

The other organisation is 4M Events, the organisers and hosts of the Cannes Air Show held annually in France.  The launch attracted major players in the industry from around the world.

Speaking on behalf of President John  Dramani Mahama, the Chief Patron of the event,  Mr Obeng, assured the international community that the government  had embraced the opportunity and would offer all the needed assistance for the success of the first ever air expo in Africa.

“It is an invitation that goes with responsibility” he said and noted that Ghana would live up to its name as one of the best destinations of investments in Africa and the aviation hub of the continent.

Mr Obeng stated that just as London used the Olympics Games to re-launch London, Ghana would also use the expo as a major catalyst to boost its investment promotion drive and that the government would not countenanced any official whose activities would put impediments in attaining the objective.

He charged the Ministry of Transport to provide a conducive atmosphere that would foster stronger collaboration with the private sector in the country in organising a successful event and that this would send a strong signal to the world that Ghana was the best destination for public-private partnership.

Mr Obeng hinted that government was committed in building a second international airport, adding that all major airports would be renovated, while those other regions without airports would have airstrips and aerodromes.

The Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Akua Attivor, said it was high time Ghana learnt and shared with the rest of the world through such expos, to know what it could gain and what it would be able to offer.

He announced that for adequate preparation, a local organising committee would be put in place and it would consist of the ministries of Transport, Tourism, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airport Company Ltd, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority, National Security and Ghana Air force.

By Donald Ato Dapatem/Daily Graphic/Ghana