The Aviation Minister, Cecelia Dapaah is confident her outfit’s performance in the aviation sector would warrant an upward review of its budgetary allocation in the mid-year budget review.
It follows Parliament’s approval of 59, 392, 362 cedis to the Ministry for 2017.
According to her, the ambitious plans outlined by the ministry should culminate in making Ghana an attractive hub for air travel within the sub-region.
This however comes at a time that government is reducing access to the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL)’s internally generated funds to about thirty percent.
But Madam Cecilia Dapaah tells Citi Business News the ministry should be able to work with the current allocation.
“I believe 59 million is not only, I know we have a tight rope to walk on as a country so I believe we will make way with what has been given us. The mid-year review will come and I’m sure we will get something in addition.”
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken a number of initiatives on its own balance sheet which the previous government under John Mahama described as laudable.
Such included the expansion of some of the runways and major infrastructure works at the airports.
One of such included the Ghana Airport Training Academy.
Currently, the government is also undertaking some expansion works at the Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport.
Though some have questioned the cut in access to the IGF of the Ghana Airports Company Limited and its impact on the operations at the airport, Madam Cecelia Dapaah stressed that the monies are largely contracted from loans.
“Most of the projects are funded by loans so it has nothing to do with the 59 million so it should be okay for now; we know when there are funds we will adequately be taken care of.”
The Minister was speaking at this year’s edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s conference on sustainable development of air transportation in Africa.
The three day conference brought together key players in the aviation sectors of member states as well as other representatives from Asia and Europe.
Speaking at the event, the Council President of the International Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu stressed the need for African states to channel resources into attaining the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) through the Yamoussoukro Decision.
Among other interventions by the ICAO is the creation of an online analytical tool for airport charges which will facilitate access to information and enhance global and regional transparency.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
