South Africa and Turkey have pledged to support Ghana’s Aviation sector to ensure it met world class standards.
They would offer technical advice, help train pilots, and share experiences among other things to deepen the ties between the countries.
This came to light when Madam Lulu Xingwana, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, and Dr Ozlem Ergun Ulueren, Turkey’s Ambassador, paid courtesy calls on Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, the Minister of Aviation, in Accra on Friday.
Dr Ulueren said Turkish Airlines, one of the biggest in the world, flew to 300 destinations and would support Ghana to strengthen her Aviation sector, especially as Turkey had opened the New Istanbul Airport.
She said Ghana had attached importance to improving the relationship between the two countries, thus, Turkey would not only provide capacity building for Ghanaian pilots but also train the Aviation staff to effectively deliver.
Dr Ulueren said Turkey had also invested 500 million dollars in areas including construction adding that Turkey and Ghana would build partnerships in tourism and agriculture, which would benefit both countries.
She welcomed public opinions to make the airline industry better whilst urging Ghanaians to take advantage of a promo introduced to explore Turkey.
Madam Lulu, on her part, said South Africa was involved in the development of the Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3 and would continue to offer advice, service and train young pilots to expand the Ghanaian Aviation sector.
She said South African Airlines (SAA) is working in collaboration with the African World Airlines (AWA), which flew to Lagos, Free Town, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire among other areas to make it possible for Ghanaians in regions other than the Greater Accra to fly directly to those destinations.
She said SAA was adding another flight from Ghana to Washington and willing to share skills, expertise and assist in training air personnel to strengthen AWA and SAA’s relationship.
Mr Adda, who received the two visitors, appealed to them to support in the establishment of a pilot training academy and assist in getting back Ghana’s airline.
Turkey should also aid Ghana in constructing its regional airports as well as develop airport cities with standardized infrastructure, he said.
A Memoranda of Understanding was signed to formalise their relationship.
Source: GNA
