Ghana’s aviation industry is to attract stronger support from the British aviation sector to help accelerate the government’s objective of making the country an aviation hub in West Africa.
Ghana and Britain have enjoyed long standing bilateral and diplomatic relations since the former attained its independence in 1957 and it is for this reason that the UK Minister for Aviation, Lord Tariq Mahmood Ahmad, has pledged the UK government’s commitment to support Ghana’s thriving aviation sector.
Having served in a previous capacity as Britain’s Transport Minister and now the Aviation Minister after Mrs Theresa May took office as Prime Minister, Lord Ahmad told the Daily Graphic that Ghana should expect continued and strengthened friendship from Britain.
“Ghana is a friend to me personally and I have got many friends there and have great affection for the country,” he said.
Aviation fuel
Asked what support Britain could offer Ghana with regard to aviation fuel, the minister said the UK would look into the specific situation and the relationship between the two nations over the issue.
“I will consult with international partners of which Ghana is a key partner to see how to work more strongly together,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Aviation fuel is a specialised type of petroleum-based fuel used to power aircraft. It is generally of a higher quality than fuels used in less critical applications such as heating or road transport, and often contains additives to reduce the risk of icing or explosion due to high temperature, among other properties.
Airlines operating in Ghana are compelled to refuel outside the country as a result of the high cost of aviation fuel.
It is for this reason that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), following the government’s intervention, reduced the cost of the product by 25 per cent.
In a recent statement announcing the reduction, the NPA said per the new directive, a litre of aviation fuel currently selling at about $3 and 14 cents would now be sold at $2 and 35 cents.
That, according to the NPA, would make the cost of aviation fuel in Ghana more competitive and the country with the second lowest priced aviation fuel in the West African sub-region.
Minister optimistic
Lord Ahmad expressed optimism that with stronger partnership between the aviation sectors of the two countries, Ghana could overcome any obstacle that might hinder its potential to become an aviation hub.
He lauded the country’s democratic credentials and expressed the hope that Ghana would come out of the forthcoming polls peacefully to preserve its place as a shining star in Africa.
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