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The Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has tasked those in the aviation industry to work hard to maintain the gains made in the industry over the years.
According to the minister, the successes recorded so far, including the expansion of Kotoka International Airport (KIA), have resulted in the airport being voted the best international airport in 2019 and 2020 in Africa.
In addition, the deployment of over US $ 7 million to install three new navigation equipment at KIA to enhance aircraft safety and security deserves praise.
However, he stressed that they are at risk of being threatened if industry players do not collaborate effectively to maintain and capitalize on it.
According to the minister, aviation remains a symbolic target for terrorists who seek to attack planes, airports and aeronautical facilities to inflict massive losses and cause economic destruction and public fear, stressing that this is only through effective collaboration of players in the aviation industry these threats could be reduced.
“Safety and security are a priority for the aviation industry. Supporting the industry requires not only regulatory safety measures, but also robust safety systems both on the ground and in the air. Our progress in the aviation industry will never be sustained if we do not work with neighboring countries and other industry players. It is necessary for us to tackle the emerging security threat in the sub-region. Our safety and security can be guaranteed through information sharing and compliance with industry regulatory standards, ”he noted.
To this end, he called on the Transport Security Administration of the US Department of Homeland Security to further engage the Government of Ghana in the spirit of international cooperation and information sharing to discuss aviation and aviation issues. other new emerging threats in the aviation industry through workshops, seminars and exchange programs.
“Let us all join together and make aviation a mutual benefit,” he added.
Hon. Ofori Asiamah made the observation on Monday, March 23, 2021, when he joined Ambassador Martha Pobe and US Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie S. Sullivan to order an L3 ProVision 2 body scanner and nine trace sensors. explosives and narcotics donated by the United States. The government to the Ghana Airports Company to strengthen security activities at the passenger checkpoint for flights going inside Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport.
Layout L3 2
The L3 ProVision 2 is an advanced personnel screening solution that quickly filters out subjects using active and safe millimeter-wave radio frequency technology to reveal hidden objects made of a wide range of materials – metallic and non-metallic. metallic. It has advanced and cutting edge software that processes the digital scan data and determines whether the individual can be erased through the checkpoint.
Based on the 1.5 second scan, the system detects low and high density materials including explosive sheets, powders, loose sheets and explosives, liquids, gels, ceramics and others solids, in accordance with TSA and / or EU CEAC specifications. The ProVision 2 can handle processing from 200 to 300 people per hour, depending on the application and supported security protocols.
Commenting on the body scan, the Hon. Asiamah said the ever-changing dynamics within the aviation industry as evidenced in the numbers and economic data places a huge responsibility on the government to develop appropriate policies to boost the sector.
“It is important to note that while global aviation is growing by 5% and Africa by 6%, Ghana is growing at an average rate of 7.9% per year. This requires a rapid development of our aeronautical infrastructure as well as the integration of other modes of transport such as rail and road transport as well as urban planning initiatives, ”he noted.
The donation from the US government, he added, was therefore timely, noting that “it is a kind gesture and in fact a demonstration of the cordial relationship between our two countries and as partners in the fight against the terrorist threat together ”.
Air Ghana will fly soon
Regarding the proposed national airline for Ghana, the Minister of Transport and Aviation said plans are well advanced for the launch of Air Ghana.
“The engagement with strategic partners is at an advanced stage to pave the way for its launch. This is to ensure that Ghana’s aviation industry grows to become the hub of regional and continental flights in the West African sub-region, ”he noted.
In her remarks, Ambassador Sullivan noted that the growth of the aviation sector in Ghana has increased the importance of aviation security, screening and information sharing, noting that “the training program and airport security equipment underscores the strong security cooperation between the United States and Ghana ”.
Ambassador Martha Pobe, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, for her part, welcomed the body scanner and explosive detectors provided by the United States of America’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Air Security Enhancement Program.
She said the common priority of ensuring the safety of air transport is important to the government of Ghana and urged the country to explore all avenues to deepen cooperation and partnership with the government of the United States of America.
“With its equipment, the airport authorities will be able to nibble in the bud, the activities of drug and arms trafficking unions. The installation and operation of the equipment also sends a clear message that Ghana will continue to cooperate with its partners and will not slacken its efforts in the fight against transnational organized crime ”, she underlined.
The Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Mr. Yaw Kwakwa, for his part said that the events of September 11, 2001 in the United States of America were a clear indication that the aviation-related terrorist attacks are not ending. not anytime soon.
Terrorists and their operatives, he noted, are increasingly sophisticated in deploying mind-blowing equipment to continue their agenda. Therefore, the donation of the body scanner was timely, ensuring that it will be put to good use to “enhance the safety and security of passengers bound for the United States as well as other passengers passing through Kotoka International Airport.” “.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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