Parliament has passed the Ghana Civil Aviation Bill, 2024, aimed at establishing the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as an autonomous entity responsible for aviation safety and security.
This new bill replaces the Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2004 (Act 678), along with its amendments (Act 906 of 2016 and Act 985 of 2019).
When assented to by the President, it will provide a legal framework for the GCAA to deliver air navigation services in the Accra Flight Information Region until the Ghana Air Navigation Services Agency is established.
Director-General of GCAA, Charles Kraikue, highlighted that the bill introduces new safety and security regulations, empowering the director-general to ensure the protection of sensitive data, including advanced passenger information and passenger name records.
The legislation also prohibits flying over restricted military zones or sensitive infrastructure and forbids dangerous flying, such as reckless behavior that endangers lives.
Compliance with rules regarding altitude, speed, and trajectory to prevent collisions is mandatory, and unauthorised flying of commercial aircraft or transportation of dangerous goods is strictly prohibited.
The bill incorporates provisions from the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), enhancing governance and accountability measures for board members.
Mr. Kraikue stated that these revisions is to ensure transparency, accountability, and excellence in the GCAA’s governance and management.
