EXECUTIVE PLATFORM
ING. CHARLES EBO KRAIKUE: Superintending Regulatory and Technological Transformations
Ing. Charles Ebo Kraikue, the Director General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and a Fellow of the prestigious Ghana Institution of Engineering (FGhIE), knows exactly what chords to strike at any point in time when it comes to the steady, rhythmic flow of the notes that go into ensuring the symphonic workings of a civil aviation regulatory authority that also doubles as an air navigation service provider. This proficiency has, no doubt, been enabling Kraikue to continue to expand GCAA’s horizons over the years, superintending the continuing re-engineering of the Ghanaian air navigation space as well as the modernization, safety, security and efficiency of aviation operations within the Accra Flight Information Region.
Under Kraikue in 2023, GCAA won the Best State-Owned Enterprise of the Year Award at the 2nd Public Enterprises League Table (PELT), beating other 63 Ghanaian State-owned enterprises. GCAA also emerged as the second Best Entity for year 2023.
But such achievements, albeit domestic in nature, were not the only laurels GCAA has garnered under Kraikue. There have been more and more. On the global pedestal, Ghana, and by default the GCAA, got elected to the highest body of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – the ICAO Council – during the 41st Session of the ICAO General Assembly in 2022. And what’s more: Ghana has also been showcasing, year-on-year, impressive Effective Implementation (EI) scores on the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) scorecards.
Having regard to the growing profiles of the Ghanaian aviation space and the steady paces of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority towards the full realization of international goals in respect of the modernization, harmonization, sustainability, and interoperability of the air navigation system, Air Traffic Safety Electronics International Managing Editor, Adeyinka Olumuyiwa Osunwusi, PhD, caught up with the indefatigable Director General of GCAA, Ing. Charles Ebo Kraikue, FGhIE, and here’s what he had to say:
For starters, how would you describe issues revolving around the safety, security and efficiency of civil aviation operations in the African continent today?
The African civil aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth yet faces significant challenges. Issues of safety, security, and efficiency are influenced by factors like outdated infrastructure, limited technological investment, and regulatory gaps. While some States have made notable progress, others still struggle with meeting global standards, leading to inconsistencies in safety oversight and operational efficiency. However, with ongoing modernization efforts and partnerships with international bodies, there is growing momentum toward addressing these issues holistically.
What do you see as the major challenges confronting the African aviation industry?
The primary challenges include insufficient infrastructure development, lack of harmonization in regulatory frameworks, and limited technical capacity across different countries. Another major issue is the high cost of air travel, which hampers intra-African connectivity. Additionally, human resource deficits, cybersecurity threats, and a need for improved air traffic management and safety oversight compound these challenges. These issues are critical, especially considering the industry’s projected growth, necessitating stronger collaboration between African governments, aviation bodies, and international partners.
Do you think African CAAs and ANSPs are doing enough to surmount these challenges as well as raise the bar in terms of infrastructural development and operational efficiency?
While efforts are being made, there is still a significant gap between what is being done and what is required. Many Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) have made strides in adopting ICAO’s safety and security standards, with some countries achieving notable improvements in oversight capabilities. However, the pace of infrastructure development is uneven across the continent. A more collaborative approach involving public-private partnerships, capacity building, and increased investment in technology is needed to enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable progress.
As the Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), what are some of the dynamic changes you are seeing today regarding the civil aviation regulation and air navigation service provision realms?
The GCAA has been at the forefront of regulatory and technological transformation, aligned with ICAO’s global standards. We have seen an increase in regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing safety and security, such as updating laws to incorporate new technologies like drones and unmanned aircraft systems. In terms of air navigation services, the adoption of modern systems such as satellite-based communication, navigation, and surveillance technologies is revolutionizing our operations. These advancements are helping Ghana maintain its position as a leader in air navigation service provision within the region.
And how is GCAA, as both a regulator and an ANSP, responding to these changes?
The GCAA is actively addressing these changes by fulfilling its dual role as both a regulator and an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). On the regulatory front, we are enhancing legal and operational frameworks to keep pace with emerging technologies like drones and unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring robust safety and security standards. As an ANSP, we are investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, including satellite-based communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This strategy not only boosts operational efficiency but also reinforces Ghana’s leadership in air navigation services, ensuring smooth and secure airspace management.
From your perspective, how robust is the relationship between the Ghanaian civil aviation sector on one hand and international and regional civil aviation entities on the other hand?
The relationship between Ghana’s civil aviation sector and international and regional entities is very strong and continues to grow. Ghana has consistently aligned its regulations and operations with ICAO’s global standards and maintains active collaboration with other African countries through bodies like the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and Banjul Accord Groups (BAG). Additionally, we engage in partnerships with international aviation organizations such ICAO, FAA, Eurocontrol and CANSO to promote safety, security, and operational efficiency. These collaborations are critical for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and advancing aviation infrastructure in the region.
And what’s the position of Ghana today regarding the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative? Do you see the initiative impacting the air transport sector positively?
Ghana fully supports the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, recognizing it as a key driver for enhancing connectivity across the continent. By liberalizing air transport, SAATM allows for more competition, which ultimately reduces airfares and fosters economic growth through tourism, trade, and job creation. We anticipate that the initiative will significantly boost intra-African air travel and open up new opportunities for the aviation sector. For Ghana, this means increased access to regional markets and improved efficiency in air transport services.
Over the past mission years of the ICAO USOAP audit, Ghana has been showcasing impressive EI (Effective Implementation) scores. How has Ghana been able to manage these impressive outings?
Ghana’s success in the ICAO USOAP audit can be attributed to continuous investment in capacity building, regulatory improvements, and adherence to global safety standards. The GCAA has prioritized staff training, technological upgrades, and collaboration with international partners to ensure the highest levels of compliance with ICAO’s guidelines. Our commitment to transparency and proactive oversight has also played a key role in maintaining high Effective Implementation (EI) scores, ensuring that our aviation safety systems are robust and in line with global expectations.
The GCAA clinched the Best State-Owned Enterprise of the Year Award at the 2nd Public Enterprises League Table (PELT) event on 11 October, 2023, beating other 63 state-owned enterprises, whilst also emerging as the second Best Entity of the Year. How significant is this and to what would you ascribe these sterling achievements?
This recognition is of great importance, as it highlights the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and hard work of the entire GCAA team. It is a testament to our consistent drive for excellence in key areas such as aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and operational efficiency. Receiving this award reflects not only our commitment to upholding the highest industry standards but also our forward-thinking approach to addressing challenges in the aviation sector.
Our success is rooted in strong, visionary leadership that has consistently prioritized innovation and modernization. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies, we have been able to enhance the efficiency and safety of our operations. Additionally, our achievements are the result of fostering a culture of collaboration, both within the GCAA and with our external partners. This teamwork allows us to align our strategic goals with the evolving needs of the aviation industry, ensuring that we remain a leader not just within Ghana, but across the region.
And how would you also describe the election of Ghana to the highest body of the ICAO – the ICAO Council – at the 41st Session of the ICAO General Assembly in 2022?
Ghana’s election to the ICAO Council is a tremendous honor and a testament to our commitment to upholding the highest standards in civil aviation. It reflects the global recognition of Ghana’s contributions to aviation safety, security, and efficiency. It affirms the positive impact that Ghana has made, not only within our borders but also in the broader international arena, as we continue to advocate for best practices in aviation. Being part of the ICAO Council gives us a stronger voice in shaping international aviation policy and allows us to share our expertise and experiences with the global aviation community. It’s a responsibility we take seriously as we continue to advocate for the advancement of aviation across Africa and beyond.
Now, let’s talk about the Ghana Civil Aviation Bill 2024. What is the position of this all-important Bill today and what changes will the Bill be introducing?
The Ghana Civil Aviation Bill 2024, recently passed by Parliament, repeals and replaces the existing Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2004 (Act 678) along with its amendments (Act 906 of 2016 and Act 985 of 2019). This new legislation establishes the legal framework for the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to continue providing air navigation services within the Accra Flight Information Region until the Ghana Air Navigation Services Agency is established.
The Bill introduces several significant reforms designed to enhance the regulatory framework for civil aviation in Ghana. It addresses emerging industry trends, including the integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into national airspace, and strengthens provisions for safety and security oversight. Additionally, the Bill aims to modernize the governance structures within the GCAA to improve operational efficiency and ensure adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.
Talking about GCAA’s efforts towards re-engineering and modernising the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR), what actions are been taken in the communications, navigation, and surveillance techno-operational sector? And how would you describe the status of the Accra FIR Area Control Centre today?
GCAA has embarked on an ambitious project to modernize the Accra FIR. This includes implementing state-of-the-art communication systems, advanced surveillance technologies like ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), and upgrading navigation aids to satellite-based systems.
We have also invested in training our personnel to ensure they are equipped to manage the increased air traffic within the region. GCAA has built a modern Air Navigation Centre which will be the new Accra air traffic control center. This is to make the Area Control Centre (ACC) in Accra more efficient, enabling better management of both domestic and international traffic, with improved safety and reduced delays.
There is much buzz today in the industry regarding the increasing activities of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or drones and the safety and security implications of these activities. How is GCAA handling the situation?
The GCAA has taken a proactive stance in regulating RPAS to ensure they are safely integrated into the airspace without compromising security or the safety of manned aircraft. We have developed specific regulations and operational guidelines for drone operators, and these are continuously reviewed as the industry evolves. Furthermore, GCAA is working on awareness campaigns to educate operators about compliance requirements, and we collaborate with law enforcement agencies to monitor unauthorized drone activities.
There are also growing occurrences of runway incursions and excursions across the regions of the world. Is Ghana currently taking any action in the direction of risk mitigation?
Ghana is taking proactive steps to tackle occurrences of runway incursions and excursions through a robust and comprehensive risk mitigation strategy. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in close collaboration with the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), has undertaken a range of initiatives designed to significantly enhance runway safety across the country. Key measures include a substantial upgrade of airport infrastructure, which involves the modernization of runway markings, improved signage, and enhanced lighting systems to increase visibility and guidance for both pilots and ground personnel.
In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the GCAA and GACL are committed to conducting regular and thorough safety audits and inspections. These evaluations are critical for identifying potential hazards, assessing the effectiveness of existing safety measures, and ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
Overall, how would you describe the future of the African civil aviation industry?
The future of African civil aviation is promising, but it will require sustained efforts to fully realize its potential. With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the continent is moving toward a more integrated aviation ecosystem. This will enhance connectivity, reduce costs, and promote economic growth. However, success will depend on continued investment in infrastructure, regulatory harmonization, and capacity building. If these challenges are addressed, Africa could emerge as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. ◙
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