The Minister of Roads and Transport, Mr. Edward K. Salia has hinted that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has almost concluded negotiations with traditional land-owners in Prampram District for the acquisition of a large tract of land for the construction of a more modern international airport. Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, James Amoak, in Accra, Mr. Edward Salia said the new airport will be built in a few years time when the traffic at Kotoka airport becomes abnormally large. He said the new airport will propel Ghana as a gateway to West Africa in line with the government’s vision 2020 programme. Mr. Salia said in the short-term facilities at Kotoka airport will be expanded and upgraded to meet international standards. Reacting to press reports that the two D.C.9 aircrafts recently purchased by Ghana Airways are too old and not air-worthy, Mr. Salia admitted that the two aircraft are about 24 years old but stressed that in the aviation industry, unlike the automobile industry, age is not the determinant of performance. He said what is important is a religious adherence to the aircraft’s maintenance schedule. Mr. Salia said Ghana already has a large back up of spare parts for D.C.9 aircrafts so the two aircraft will not pose any threat to passenger safety and the efficiency of Ghana Airways. According to Mr. Salia before the two D.C.9s left Venezuela they were subjected to proper tests and screening by aviation experts and were certified as very safe for use. gri
