President John Dramani Mahama on Monday directed the Ministers for the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Transport, to collaborate to ensure the implementation of e-visa in the country.
President Mahama gave the directive when he officially commissioned the new Air Navigation Services (ANS) Building at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra (KIA).
He also performed the launching of Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Systems.
President Mahama said the introduction of the API and PNR systems provide a strong digital platform on which other critical services could be integrated.
“And that’s why I’m directing the Honorable Ministers responsible for Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate to ensure that this platform is expanded to enable us to quickly implement the long-awaited e-visa services for the country,” he stated.
“I’m charging them to extend this system to cover both the sea and land border posts, integration with our e-gate systems, and the adoption of the capabilities to extend to perform the advanced cargo information system, also for the benefits of our customs.
“These policy directives will ensure the country enjoys the full benefits of what we are witnessing today.”
The President said the e-visa system would ease visa application processes, reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, support tourism, and make Ghana an even more attractive destination for business.
He said beyond the fiscal infrastructure, the launch of the API and PNR System signified a technological and strategic leap forward.
He said with the two systems, Ghana joins a growing list of countries that were complying with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178, annex 9 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation global frameworks that enhance border security, counterterrorism, and safe mobility.
President Mahama said the importance of these systems could not be overstated; explaining that they would enable the security agencies to collect and process passenger data in real time, identify potential threats before arrival or departure, streamline immigration and custom procedures, and enhance the overall efficiency and security of air travel.
This, he said meant that Ghana was not just ensuring the safety of its skies, but contributing to regional and global security architecture in an age where threats transcended borders and information was the first line of defense.
President Mahama said the future of travel was digital, and Ghana must not be left behind.
He said the three sector ministries also must think beyond the Kotoka International Airport; saying “I’m therefore urging steps to integrate these systems at Terminal 2 and the new Kumasi International Airport, and also not forgetting Tamale International Airport.”
He said in addition, he expected plans to be drawn for implementation “in order that we are able to enhance the traveler experience”.
President Mahama reiterated that none of that would be possible without collaboration.
He therefore commended the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ministry of Transport for their leadership in the project.
In addition, the President acknowledged the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) for facilitating the infrastructure and space for the project.
President Mahama also cited the various security and border agencies for their coordination, and Ghana’s international partners, especially Exeo of Japan, and all the consultants, contractors, and service providers for bringing technical rigor and innovation to the project.
“I extend our deep appreciation to Mr Emaizumi Fumitoshi, Group CEO of Exeo for your belief in Ghana’s aviation potential. Thank you,” he said.
“Your belief in Ghana’s aviation potential and longstanding collaboration with our local partners reflects the kind of international partnership we seek to build that is mutually beneficial, respectful, transparent, and enduring.”
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s vision for Ghana’s aviation sector; declaring that “We want to see a sector that is anchored in safety and technological excellence.
“We want to see a sector that is supported by world-class infrastructure and skilled professionals, and one that is driven by a strategy to connect Ghana to Africa and the world.”
President Mahama said whether for business, for leisure, emergency services, cargo logistics, or tourism, air travel must be safe, reliable, and forward-looking; stating that these projects commissioned were steps in that direction.
He said with continued investment, collaboration, and innovation, he was confident that Ghana would remain a leader in regional aviation and would continue to be a model for other countries on the continent.
The President again commended all stakeholders who had worked tirelessly to bring the two transformative projects to fruition.
“Let us maintain these facilities and utilize them to their fullest potential and continue to work together to deliver a safe, efficient, and globally respected aviation sector for the people of Ghana and future generations,” he said.
Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General, GCAA, reiterated his commitment to advancing the President’s vision of resetting and transforming Ghana’s aviation sector into a resilient, secure and future ready Industry.
Source: GNA
The post Mahama directs Ministers for Interior, Foreign Affairs, Transport to collaborate to ensure e-visa implementation appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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