The chairman of the board of directors of Ghana Airports Company limited Mr. Tony Lithur has called on the president of Ghana His excellency President John Mahama to adopt the whole aviation sector as a presidential initiative in order to help the industry grow exponentially.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Airports Company Limited held at the Fiesta Royal Hotel on Tuesday 17th November, 2015 the chairman lauded the presidents understanding of the aviation sector and the strides he and his government have made to support the aviation sector.
“I am certain I speak for the board when I say that we are lucky to have a president who has a good understanding of our sector, and who has been very supportive of our efforts to invigorate and leave large footprints along the path of making air travel and associated industries a critical part of our economy”
According to the chairman the year ended 31st December 2014 saw a significant growth in the operating income of GACL. He was quick to add that this affirmed the commitment, determination and dedication of the board to deliver and sustain the strong performance of the company.
Despite these strides made by the GACL the chairman called on the president to embrace the entire aviation sector so concessions to the sector could be deepened thus helping the sector grow as it ought to.
“We hope that one day soon, he will adopt the whole aviation sector as a presidential initiative, thereby deepening the concessions that will enable us lift the sector to the heights that it should attain, and make us all proud as Ghanaians”
Concession
A concession or concessions as an agreement is a grant of rights, land or property by a government. Local authority, corporation, individual or legal entity.
Concessions can come in a form of lease or management contracts. A lease gives a company the right to operate and maintain a public utility but investments remain the responsibility of the public. Under a management contract, the operator will collect the revenue on behalf of the government and will in turn be paid an agreed fee.
A grant of land or property by a government may be in return for services or a particular use, a right to undertake and profit by specified activity, a lease for a particular purpose.
A concession may include the right to use some existing infrastructure required to carry out a business. In some cases it may involve the transfer of exclusive or non-exclusive easement.
The mandate of GACL is to plan, develop, manage and maintain all airports in Ghana including Kotoka international airport and the regional airports which includes Kumasi, tamale and Sunyani as well as various airstrips across the country.
By: David k. Acquah
