TIG Post

Tag: Air Transport

  • Africa’s public transport needs significant upgrades – Ofori Asiamah

    Africa’s public transport needs significant upgrades – Ofori Asiamah

    Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has called on African countries to unite in developing a robust public transport system to ease the burden on commuters caused by transport operators.

    Highlighting the pressing issue of inadequate public transportation systems in Africa, he attributed the challenge to insufficient infrastructure.

    He emphasized that this can be addressed through effective legislation and regulations, which are crucial in preventing transport operators from overcharging commuters.

    “We need to establish legislation, regulations, and laws to ensure that commuters are not exploited by transport operators. This doesn’t mean transport operators don’t deserve fair compensation, but without regulation, they may overcharge our people,” he emphasised.

    Asiamah made these comments while interacting with the press after receiving the ‘Most Outstanding Innovation in Infrastructure Development’ Award at the 2024 African Public Service Optimum (APSO) Conference & Awards night in Accra on June 5, 2024.

    The event, themed “Transforming Africa through Public Service Professionalism and Excellence,” aimed to recognize outstanding public institutions and public servants for their excellence in delivering public goods and services, and to foster cooperation among award-winning institutions and public officials across Africa.

    The event saw attendance from ambassadors, ministers, traditional rulers, and diplomats from across the continent.

    Asiamah further stressed that unregulated transport operators could exploit passengers, resulting in increased prices for essential goods and services. He cited the Matatus (minibus) industry in East Africa as an example, where safety and affordability are significant concerns.

    He underscored the need for African governments to balance allowing transport operators to earn a fair income and protecting commuters from exploitation. By implementing laws and strengthening institutions, Africa can build a more robust public transport system, recognizing that not everyone can afford private vehicles.

    This move, Asiamah clarified, is not anti-transport operator but rather a call for empathy and understanding for the continent’s economically vulnerable populations.

    “By prioritising commuter welfare and safety, Africa can work towards a more equitable and sustainable transportation sector,” he underscored.

  • Chamber of Mines requests air transport to Boost Tarkwa’s mining hub

    Chamber of Mines requests air transport to Boost Tarkwa’s mining hub

    CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney, underscores the importance of air transport in Tarkwa, a crucial mining hub in Ghana’s economy, believing it will bolster local businesses.

    In an interview with Citi News, Koney advocates for discussions on elevating Tarkwa to a major city, akin to other prominent Ghanaian cities, proposing the introduction of multimodal transportation infrastructure, including air transport.

    Despite hosting major mining companies extracting gold, manganese, and other minerals, Tarkwa remains a typical town, prompting calls for its transformation into a true mining city.

    At the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in Tarkwa, Koney emphasized the need for serious discussions to transform Tarkwa into a genuine mining city.

    Discussing the mining industry’s impact, particularly the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Koney highlighted their role in facilitating development in areas beyond government reach.

    Abdel-Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, noted their commitment to enhancing the education sector, having invested over 100 million dollars in it.

  • Ghana’s first modern train has been fully assembled and installed – Amewu

    Ghana’s first modern train has been fully assembled and installed – Amewu

    The Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has announced the successful assembly and installation of the first unit of modern trains procured by the government onto the railway track.

    Mr Amewu revealed that both mechanical and electrical tests are scheduled to be conducted soon to facilitate practical testing of the trains on the railway.

    “I am happy to announce that, the assembling of these components has successfully been completed and the installation of the trains on the railway track has also been done. Following this progress, electrical and mechanical tests would be carried out to pave the way for the practical testing of the trains on the tracks. Signalling and other relevant operational tests will be conducted soon after the engineers start navigating the train along the full length of the 100k railway line,” part of his post on social media platform Facebook read.

    He wrote, “The trains are ultramodern, fuel-efficient, high-performing, and built for tough terrains like Ghana’s.”

    Describing the trains as ultramodern and fuel-efficient, Mr Amewu emphasized their suitability for challenging terrains like those found in Ghana.

    “The trains are ultramodern, fuel-efficient, high-performing, and designed for challenging terrains like those in Ghana,” he stated.

    Mr Amewu commended the Akufo-Addo administration for completing the Tema-Mpakadan railway project, highlighting its significance in Ghana’s transportation landscape.

    “All accolades to the NPP government for its commitment to completing the Tema-Mpakadan railway project. This significant milestone sets the stage for passenger onboarding and operationalisation. Since the era of colonial railway services, no administration has made such substantial investments in revitalising our railway sector as the Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia administrations. We are steadfast in our commitment to elevate Ghana’s railway industry to a standard that is admired across the West African sub-region.”

  • There is confusion, come clear with transport fares – Passengers Association to transport operators

    There is confusion, come clear with transport fares – Passengers Association to transport operators

    The Association of Passengers Ghana has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparent communication from transport operators concerning proposed increases in transport fares nationwide.

    In a press release dated Monday, April 15, the Association’s convener, Afia Kwarteng Asamani, highlighted the adverse effects of this communication gap, causing confusion among commuters and drivers alike.

    Ms. Asamani stressed the urgent need to resolve this issue promptly, cautioning that prolonged inaction could escalate into a situation contrary to the interests of Ghanaians.

    “While acknowledging recent increases in petrol and other essential commodities, necessitating higher transport fares, we underscore the necessity for clear communication to prevent misunderstandings between bus conductors and commuters, given the prevailing economic challenges and other factors affecting commuters’ living conditions.”

    “Whether the increase amounts to 20% or 30%, it should be explicitly communicated to prevent confusion. We urge our members to remain calm while awaiting the official approval of the proposed 20% fare increase by recognized unions GPRTU and GRTCC.”

    The association voiced concerns that the ambiguity surrounding approved fares might escalate tensions between passengers and transport operators.

    Consequently, the Association of Passengers Ghana called upon transport operators to promptly engage their members on approved fares and ensure transparent communication with the public.

    They emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information to prevent further confusion and safeguard the interests of both commuters and drivers.


    The Association of Passengers Ghana expresses dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of transparent communication from transport operators concerning proposed increases in transport fares nationwide.

    In a press release dated Monday, April 15, the Association’s convener, Afia Kwarteng Asamani, highlighted the adverse effects of this communication gap, causing confusion among commuters and drivers alike.

    Ms. Asamani stressed the urgent need to resolve this issue promptly, cautioning that prolonged inaction could escalate into a situation contrary to the interests of Ghanaians.

    The association voiced concerns that the ambiguity surrounding approved fares might escalate tensions between passengers and transport operators.

    Consequently, the Association of Passengers Ghana called upon transport operators to promptly engage their members on approved fares and ensure transparent communication with the public.

    They emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information to prevent further confusion and safeguard the interests of both commuters and drivers.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) recently issued a joint advisory urging commuters not to accept any new fares that have not been officially approved.

    This advisory follows an announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana regarding a proposed 30% fare increase scheduled to take effect on Saturday, April 13.

    In their joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC attributed the decision to raise fares to the government’s perceived failure to adequately address long-standing issues within the transport sector.

    However, the directive has resulted in some confusion and disagreement between commuters and drivers regarding the implementation of the new fare adjustments.

  • Airlines and Airports commit $35bn to IT system – Report

    Airlines and Airports commit $35bn to IT system – Report

    The 2023 Air Transport IT Insights report by SITA reveals a year-on-year increase in IT spending for Airports and Airlines, reaching an estimated 10.8 billion USD and 34.5 billion USD in 2023.

    Over two-thirds of CIOs anticipate continued growth into 2024.

    Airlines and airports focus on optimizing passenger experience, with 50% implementing IT for efficiency in check-in, bag tag, and boarding.

    Biometrics are gaining popularity, with 70% of airlines expecting biometric ID management by 2026, and 90% of airports investing in related programs.

    CIOs prioritize business intelligence (BI), artificial intelligence, and data sharing for operational efficiency.

    BI is the leading technology investment for airlines, with 73% planning major programs. AI and machine learning, embraced by 97% of airlines and 82% of airports by 2026, aim to leverage data for insights and operational improvement.

    David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, emphasized the role of advanced data tools in uniting stakeholders for efficient, agile responses to disruptions.

    “As we approach a full recovery of passenger demand for air travel, with domestic travel even surpassing pre-pandemic levels in some regions, airlines and airports have learned from the congestion and disruptions seen in the past two years. Advanced data sharing and analytics tools will allow them to unite stakeholders and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and leaner operations. Solutions like total airport management and BI for passenger processing provide airports and airlines real-time insight into the management of assets and passenger flow, allowing for agile, collaborative responses to any disruptions.”

    Sustainability is a key focus, with over 90% of airlines planning IT solutions for emissions reduction by 2026.

    On the airport side, energy management systems are a priority for emissions reduction, with over half planning investment by 2026.

    Airlines and airports aim to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, adopting digital tools for accurate monitoring and optimization of energy consumption.

    The research, based on the views of over 250 senior airline and airport executives, covers a quarter of global passenger traffic and was conducted from August to November 2023.