PRIVATE SECTOR TO PLAY ROLE IN REVIVAL OF NATIONAL AIRLINE, DAILY GRAPHIC, SAT JULY 2, 2011 (PAGE 16)

Story: Della Russel Ocloo

THE government is considering involving the private sector in the revival of the national airline, the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Collins Dauda has said.
According to the minister, the state would no more get involved in the running of a national airline, citing examples of countries like Singapore that had no governmental involvement in airline operation, but had done very well in the airline business.
Alhaji Dauda, made this known when he inspected the on-going construction works at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
He said although no decision had been taken yet, the issue was being discussed at the highest level and the government would soon announce its decision after it had carefully studied available opportunities regarding the running of a national carrier.
On the security situation at the airport, Alhaji Dauda said a new scanner at the airport as part of security improvement strategy would be operational by the end of July, this year.
The scanner, he said, would scan for illegal goods including narcotics.
Alhaji Dauda was accompanied by the Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Air Commodore Kwame Mamphey (rtd), board chairman of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Mr George Kuntu Blankson and other members of the GACL board.
Briefing newsmen after the tour, Alhaji Dauda said the on-going works formed part of KIA's phase three expansion projects estimated at $50.92 million.
The projects include the installation of ground lighting on the taxiway and the passenger apron and the construction of apron drainage, provision of pavement management systems and the installation of a fuel main, while total construction works were expected to be completed by April, 2012.
Alhaji Dauda pledged government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investors who are making strides in the airline industry, and in that light, new licenses were being issued by the GCAA to ensure that fair competition prevailed in the industry.