President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) new Air Navigation Services (ANS) Complex, along with the launch of the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. These developments mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s aviation modernisation and border security strategy.
The new ANS Complex, located at the heart of Ghana’s aviation operations, will serve as the national headquarters for Air Navigation Services. It will also function as a central command hub for multi-agency collaboration. The facility will house skilled professionals, including air traffic controllers, systems engineers, meteorological experts, and safety analysts, who will manage Ghana’s airspace operations.
As part of its design, the ANS Complex includes dedicated infrastructure for the API and PNR systems and serves as a joint operational centre for several national security and public safety institutions. These include the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Police Service, Customs Division of the GRA, Ghana Fire Service, and several international partners.
The API system provides real-time passenger data to border agencies, offering details such as passenger identity, origin, and destination. The PNR system collects booking-related information, allowing for deeper insight into travel behaviour. Together, these systems enable Ghana to identify threats before they arrive or depart from the country’s airports. Already in use globally, their integration positions Ghana within international aviation security norms and supports the country’s ambition to be a trusted air transport hub in West Africa.
The new facility hosts critical aviation safety infrastructure, including air traffic management, communication, navigation and surveillance systems, aeronautical information services, and meteorological support. These elements form the foundation for safe and efficient airspace operations and complement Ghana’s broader vision for a digitally enabled and globally connected aviation sector.
As part of the ceremony, the President highlighted Ghana’s continued investment in aviation safety, personnel training, and regulatory systems. He underscored the importance of aligning with international frameworks such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 and ICAO Annex 9, particularly in counter-terrorism and border control.
Future plans include expanding the system to support e-visa services, integration with land and sea border posts, and enhanced cargo information management for customs. The President directed the relevant ministries to implement these extensions and also called for the system’s expansion to additional terminals, including Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport and new international airports in Kumasi and Tamale.
Transport Minister Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe highlighted the President’s longstanding contributions to the aviation sector, citing previous infrastructure projects such as Terminal 3, and the development of airports in Kumasi, Tamale, and Ho. He described the commissioning of the ANS Complex as the realisation of a vision that began in 2015 and stressed the critical role API/PNR systems play in countering cross-border threats, including trafficking, terrorism, and organised crime.
Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Acting Director-General of the GCAA, noted that the facility positions Ghana among the top aviation nations in Africa, second only to South Africa in terms of scale. He emphasised its importance in supporting Ghana’s 24-hour economy and enhancing real-time threat detection.
Consultant to the project, Mr Francis Bullen Gavor of Rock Africa, described the implementation of the API/PNR systems as a national security milestone. He pointed to the need for modern tools in the face of emerging security risks, citing the growing volume of passengers at Kotoka International Airport and the need to filter individuals of concern in real time.
With the commissioning of the ANS Complex and the integration of global-standard border security systems, Ghana reinforces its commitment to aviation safety, economic resilience, and seamless global connectivity.
