The Agbognomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afrde XIV has expressed optimism that the first phase of the Aviation Academy project, which comprises the Pilot Training School, would be completed by the end of 2025.
He indicated that they are working on the necessary international documentation, authorization, and blueprint of the infrastructure among others to meet this schedule.
Togbe Afede XIV said this when a team of stakeholders visited the Ho Airport for a feasibility study on the possible location of the Aviation Academy.
“In about eight months, or by the end of the year, we want to see the Pilot Training School set off. So, within all this time we shall also be working for the relevant approvals, certification, etc”, he said
Togbe Afede explained that considering the initiative to be an expensive endeavour, the plan is to construct an affordable facility of world standards.
He indicated that per the schedule, while the structure works are being done and expected to be completed in eight months, arrangements would be made for two training aircraft to be shipped into the country.
“The two training aircraft that we plan to start with, that is not too much of a problem. They will be dismantled, packaged nicely, and reassembled right here”, he stressed.
He explained that the school would be commissioned with foundation students as the necessary arrangements would be made for the timely admission of the students.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Facility.
Togbe Afede is hopeful the other components of the project which, entail the establishment of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Facility when completed would augment aerospace engineering services.
He disclosed that renowned engineers of Ghanaian origin practising in Europe and America have been approached to form part of the team to administer the school to produce competent human resources.
Togbe Afede said the benefits of the airport would traverse beyond the borders of the Volta Region and the country, as the facility would be well-positioned to provide world-standard aerospace engineering services.
“Can you imagine we can train technicians who can do maintenance of engines, repairs, and overhaul? And of course, can you imagine aircraft coming here from the rest of the world for maintenance, repair, and overhaul?
“The impression I have is that there is a general shortage of aircraft maintenance and repair capacity across the world. So, if we do a good job, we can attract aircraft from all over”, he said.
Enthused Togbe Afede lauded the roles of all stakeholders in driving a vision he contextualized in 2019 and implored the government to continue to play the leading roles towards delivering the Aviation Academy.
“I am very excited, and I am beginning to picture everything that will happen in my mind’s eyes. Thank you very much”, he said with a bow.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the initiative to establish the Aviation Academy aligns with her outfit’s vision of developing regional airports into “viable business entities.”
She reiterated the potential of the facility to contribute to curbing the country’s unemployment rate.
“We are very very excited, and we are grateful for the vision that Togbe has for this project. We pray that it happens quickly so that both Ghana Airport Company and AWA in partnership with Togbe will profit mutually from this”, she said.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu reaffirmed the government’s zeal to ensure the full completion of the Aviation Academy considering its economic impacts.
“We are prepared to do our part as the government to ensure that we see this development done within the shortest possible times. There is no time, four years is just like four months to some of us. So, whatever needs to be done must be done quickly”, he said.
He underscored the potential of the facility to transform the social life of people of the region, as it would provide jobs, and boost the tourism sector among others.
“We believe that this will make it possible for our young people to get employment, it will boost our tourism sector, and hospitality sector because when people come from all walks of life to have their aircraft maintained over here, it may not be just a day, they may sleep in a hotel, they may eat out foods. It is not only aviation that will benefit, but other sectors of the economy will also benefit”, he said.
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