GHANA TO HOST FIRST EVER AFRICAN AIR EXPO
Ghana is set to organize the first ever African Air Expo from 24th to 26th October, 2017 at the Kotoka International Airport. This maiden event is under the auspices of the Ministry of Aviation.
The Expo, which is being organized in collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is the first of its kind in West Africa and is expected to establish Ghana as an aviation hub in the sub-region.
Speaking at a press briefing on the African Air Expo 2017, Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister of Aviation, said it was important and in line with the Ministry’s vision to establish Ghana as an aviation hub and to organize events like the Air show, which will showcase the opportunities available in the sector, both in Ghana and Africa.
The Air show will comprise two sessions; the exhibition and a conference and is expected to attract about 100 exhibitors, who have already registered, and an estimated 3,000 participants who when they arrive in this country for the program, will bolster the tourism industry. The exhibitors include government departments, airport companies, airlines, flight school academies, ground handling services, military and defense, security agencies, cargo handling services, representatives of aircraft manufacturers, among others.
“The main aim of the Exhibition and Conference is to actively engage major players within the African and global aviation space, with the view of positioning the African aviation industry at the forefront of regional and global interest,” she stated.
It is also expected to provide a forum for stakeholders to interact with prospective investors in the development of Ghana and Africa’s aviation infrastructure and services and bring stakeholders up to speed with the dynamics of the industry by sharing experiences.
Ms Dapaah said the President, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo, would be the patron for the event, the organization of which is being done in partnership with 4M Events of Abu Dhabi, organizers of the Paris Air Show.
She commended the local organizing committee for coordinating the organization of the Show and urged corporate bodies in Ghana to support the event by sponsoring it. She also called on the media to publicize the event and contribute to its success.
She stressed however that the show would come off in October as announced. The exhibition will be held on the airside of the Kotoka International Airport. The area has been fenced off and demarcated for the exhibition.
Mr. Simon Allotey, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) assured that the Show would not affect normal flight operations in any way, as measures had been put in place to ensure that normal schedules are not interrupted, while ensuring safety.
