The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says the move is as a result of the growing number of minor accidents in the aviation industry.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Joyce Bawa Mogtari said the ministry was in consultation with the GCAA and its affiliate international agencies to advise government on the right policy to introduce to ensure safety in the aviation industry.
“The Ghana Civil Aviation as the regulator would have to consult with the International Civil Aviation organization to come with guidelines for us and then we will be able to roll out a policy in that regard.”
She revealed that stakeholder consultation was ongoing and government would soon be presented with some recommendations.
She intimated that such a policy will mean that the current civil aviation act would have to be amended to include the age cap to be placed on planes that fly within the Accra flight information region.
“Yes some discussions have been ignited and some efforts are being made so that we can come out with an age that is reasonable, acceptable and would ensure safety in our aviation sector.”
However, domestic Airline operators want the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to reconsider its proposal to place a cap on the age limit of aircrafts that can be used in Ghana.
Speaking to Citi Business News Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines Appigy Afenu said the GCAA must rather ensure regular maintenance of aircrafts by operators.
“Is not a straight forward issue because there is always a tradeoff between newness and pricing, if there is going to be age cap placed on aircraft, as in Nigeria where the age cap is 18 years, then somebody has to pay for the amortization of the aircraft which would mean that domestic fares, ticket prices have to go up.”
African Eye News.com