President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned Ghana’s newly upgraded Air Navigation and Security (ANS) Command Centre at the Kotoka International Airport, underscoring the country’s shift toward digitising air travel infrastructure.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, August 4, President Mahama described the development as a major milestone in enhancing aviation safety and improving border security.
He noted that the future of global travel is digital, and Ghana must take proactive steps to stay ahead.
President Mahama said the integration of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems creates a solid foundation for broader digital services.
He has therefore directed the Ministers for Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate and ensure the platform supports the rollout of Ghana’s long-anticipated e-Visa system.
“The introduction of the API and PNR systems provides a strong digital platform on which other critical services can be integrated. And that’s why I’m directing the Honorable Ministers responsible for Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate to ensure that this platform is expanded to enable us quickly implement the long-awaited e-Visa services for the country.”
“I’m charging them to extend this system to cover both the sea and land border posts, integration with our e-gate systems, and the adoption of the capabilities to extend to perform the advanced cargo information system, also for the benefits of our customs.”
President Mahama further called for an extension of the system to include the country’s sea and land border posts, integration with e-gate systems, and the development of capabilities for an advanced cargo information platform to benefit customs operations.
According to the president, the e-Visa system will streamline visa applications, reduce paperwork, support tourism, and make Ghana more attractive to business travellers and investors.
He urged that these digital systems be implemented not only at Kotoka but also at Terminal 2, the new Kumasi International Airport, and Tamale International Airport. He also asked that e-gate infrastructure be developed to further enhance the travel experience.
“These policy directives will ensure the country enjoys the full benefits of what we are witnessing today. The e-Visa system will ease visa application processes, it will reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, it will support tourism, and make Ghana an even more attractive destination for business. The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind.”
“Furthermore, we must think beyond the Kotaka International Airport. I’m therefore urging steps to integrate these systems at Terminal 2 and the new Kumasi International Airport, and also not forgetting Tamale International Airport. In addition, I expect plans to be drawn for implementing, as I said, the e-gates, in order that we are able to enhance the traveler experience.”
These policy directives, President Mahama noted, are essential for Ghana to fully reap the benefits of its digital aviation infrastructure.
