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Minister for Aviation, Joseph Kofi Adda has described as a relief to the Aviation sector the reopening of the Kotoka International Airport.

According to him, even though the Aviation sector and Ghanaians will begin to see brisk business activity in the airport, the sector is also mindful of its civic duty to protect the lives of passengers and all Ghanaians as well as those who live in the country.

Speaking at the reopening of the Kotoka Airport, Joseph Kofi Adda said that the general economy has been severely hit in many aspects, especially the Aviation sector since the President directed the closure of land, air, and sea borders about five months ago.

He added that the closure of the land, air, and sea borders also affected the hospitality industry directly; thus, the impact on aspects of the economy, particularly jobs, and business revenues, and many other associated activities have also been adversely affected.

Kofi Adda however said that the Aviation Ministry is privy to the various support mechanisms and relief programs introduced including the stimulus package by the President to alleviate the sufferings of Ghanaians, both citizens, and businesses.

“We are all also privy to the various support mechanisms and relief programs introduced, including the stimulus package by the President to alleviate the sufferings of Ghanaians, both citizens, and businesses, and we are grateful for that. I am sure many Ghanaians see in these measures the marks of a caring government and a sensitive government,” he appreciated.

He indicated that the Aviation sector in its effort to support the government in the wake of the COVID-19 has waived rent, reduced royalties as well as landing charges for aircraft coming into the country.

He again mentioned that the Aviation sector managed to keep its staff in their jobs partly due to its own efforts as well as the package put together to support the sector by the Ministry of Finance as directed by His Excellency the President, Nana Akufo-Addo.

“Within the period also, we have been able to support emergency and evacuation flights to convey both Ghanaians as well as foreign citizens to their respective countries of origin. These, we have undertaken with some constraints, also as our contribution towards fighting this menace to keep families together,” he stressed.

He, however, said that some of the workers of the Aviation sector, unfortunately, got infected with the virus in their line duty but indicated that they've recovered and are very healthy now. 

“In this regard, may I make reference to our experience in the special evacuation flights as well as the limited domestic operations, and state here again, that we have been very rigorous in our adherence to these well-known protocols, including disinfection of the airports and aircraft,” he said.