Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has highlighted two major interventions aimed at modernizing the nation’s aviation sector—operationalization of the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Systems at Kotoka International Airport and the ongoing construction of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower.

The announcement was made at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, where the Minister outlined the government’s strategy to boost safety, security, and efficiency in air transport.

According to the Minister, the current ATC tower at Kotoka, which predates Ghana’s independence, has outlived its usefulness.

“The Air Traffic Control Tower is vital for ensuring airport safety and securing the national airspace. Unfortunately, the existing tower is outdated and continues to face operational challenges”.
Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe

Despite several remedial efforts by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority over the years, he explained, the problems have persisted, leaving no alternative but to replace the facility.

The construction of a new ATC tower, which is already underway, is currently 20 percent complete. The new facility, the Minister revealed, will be fitted with a visual control room, an approach radar room, a technical equipment room, and an operations room, among other advanced installations.

These additions, he said, are designed to give Ghana the modern capability to manage its skies efficiently while aligning with international aviation safety standards. “This project is not just about replacing old infrastructure—it is about investing in the safety of our people and strengthening our national aviation system,” he added.

New Passenger Data System

In addition to the ATC tower project, Nikpe announced that the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems have been fully developed and integrated at Kotoka International Airport.

The systems were officially inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, 4 August 2025. He described the initiative as a strategic move to enhance the collection, verification, and analysis of passenger data at Ghana’s primary international gateway.

The Transport Minister emphasized that the new system marks a significant leap forward in aviation security. “The API and PNR systems will enable timely identification of high-risk passengers, including potential criminals and terrorists, before they reach our borders. This will allow our security agencies to deal effectively with such threats,” Hon. Bukari Nikpe explained.

He further noted that the high-quality data exchange between airlines and law enforcement agencies is already operational, with almost all airlines integrated into the platform.

The significance of the passenger information system, he stressed, goes beyond border control. Enabling authorities to detect suspicious travel patterns and flag high-risk individuals, it adds an extra layer of security that protects both passengers and the state.

“The system strengthens our preventive capacity. It does not wait for incidents to occur before we respond—it helps us act before threats materialize,” the Minister said.

The introduction of the API and PNR systems is in line with global best practices, as many advanced aviation hubs worldwide already rely on such platforms. The move also reflects Ghana’s recognition of the need for data-driven intelligence in a global security environment where threats are increasingly transnational and sophisticated.

Making Ghana a Competitive Player in Global Air Transport Space

For Hon. Bukari Nikpe, these two initiatives—the modernization of the ATC tower and the operationalization of the passenger information systems—are part of a broader aviation agenda by the government to make Ghana a secure and competitive player in the global air transport space.

He reiterated that aviation safety and security are inseparable from economic growth, as they directly affect tourism, investment inflows, and Ghana’s reputation as a reliable hub in the subregion.

The Minister also reassured the public that the government is committed to the timely completion of the new ATC tower, while ensuring that the passenger data systems remain up-to-date and effective.

He praised the collaboration between the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, law enforcement agencies, and international partners in rolling out the projects. By focusing simultaneously on physical infrastructure and digital innovation, Ghana is signaling a new direction in aviation governance.

While the ATC tower addresses long-standing structural gaps that have hindered effective air traffic management, the API and PNR systems respond to the evolving threats of the 21st century, where technology-driven solutions are indispensable.

As the new ATC tower takes shape and the passenger data systems come into full use, the government’s challenge will be to sustain momentum and ensure that the gains translate into tangible benefits for travelers and the wider public.

For now, however, the steps taken represent a clear message that Ghana is serious about securing its skies and modernizing its aviation infrastructure for the future.