Ghana is steadily losing ground to other African countries in the development of General Aviation, with the absence of a dedicated policy framework limiting the sector’s contribution to national development, aviation expert Asiwome Dzakuma, Founder of Strategic Aviation Services, has said.
Speaking in an interview with The High Street Journal, Dzakuma said while Ghana was once among the frontrunners in the sector, several African countries have made significant progress by investing in General Aviation as a tool for economic development, disaster response and rural connectivity.
“It is known that Ghana used to be ahead in many ways, but now other countries have overtaken Ghana and are simply developing their general aviation industries. Kenya, Botswana, even Kudu are relying heavily on general aviation.”
General Aviation comprises all civil aviation activities outside scheduled commercial airlines and military operations. It includes emergency medical flights, aerial surveys, agricultural aviation, pilot training, charter services and business aviation.
Dzakuma said Ghana’s aviation discourse has remained heavily centred on commercial airlines, leaving the broader General Aviation industry largely overlooked despite its potential to create jobs, improve emergency response and expand access to underserved communities.
“When we talk aviation here, all we know is airline. But general aviation is defined even by ICAO as all aviation activity, which is neither airline nor military.”
He said the country requires a comprehensive General Aviation policy that would provide a clear roadmap for regulation, infrastructure development and investment, allowing the sector to play a greater role in supporting public institutions and economic growth.
According to him, recent flooding in parts of Accra has reinforced the importance of building a stronger General Aviation ecosystem that can complement road transport during emergencies and improve access to isolated communities when disasters strike.
Dzakuma said the time had come for Ghana to treat General Aviation as a national priority rather than an afterthought.
“For us, it shouldn’t be a wish. It’s a need. It’s imperative we get that established and running.”
He maintained that developing the sector would not only strengthen emergency preparedness but also position Ghana to compete with countries that have successfully integrated General Aviation into their national development strategies.
