2nd quarter 2017

APRIL - JUNE 2017

ISSUE NO. 52

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF GHANA AIRPORTS COMPANY LIMITED

GACL honoured at Ghana Shippers Awards Ceremony GACL has received two separate awards at the maiden edition of the Ghana Shippers Awards held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra.

The awards, which were won in two categories included “Industr y Leadership” and “Excellence in Health Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ)”.

The award was aimed at recognizing excellence in the shipping industry to imbibe in the

players a sense of fulfilment and greater zeal to achieve higher laurels.

which showcases on a national scale the excellence and innovation within Ghana’s shipping sector.

It provided a platform to recognize individuals and companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of the industry while recognizing the key functionaries within the industry that promote growth and sustainability.

T h e a w a rd s c u t a c ro s s roa d transportation, ocean carriers, air transportation, freight forwarding, shipping agents, shipping lines, courier agencies, government agencies, insurance and financial institutions and many more.

This is the premier event in Ghana

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CORPORATE NEWS

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October 24 – 26, 2017 Kotoka International Airport - Accra, Ghana

SAVE THE DATE! Connecting Professionals across all areas of the industry with the African Market From 24 – 26 October, 2017, Ghana will play host to the African Air Expo, the first of its kind in Africa.

The event will put Ghana on the world map as far as the Aviation sector is concerned and will open up the country to various investment opportunities.

It is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors, 15,000 Trade visitors, 150 participating delegates, Local and International media, aviation-related and aircraft-associated manufactures and products from all over the world.

Visit the website www.africanairshow.com for updates on the event.

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CORPORATE NEWS

2017 May Day Commemorated

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taff of Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani have participated in the 2017 May Day Celebrations. In Accra, staff joined other workers for a parade at the Independence Square after which they converged at the Aviation Social Centre for refreshment.

In his May Day address, the Managing Director, Mr John Dekyem Attafuah commended staff for turning up in their numbers for the celebration. He said it was an indication of their commitment to their work, the organization and the Union and urged staff to display the same level of commitment in the discharge of their duties.

He assured staff that Management will continue with the rehabilitation, refurbishment and improvement of facilities at all the airports and will count on staff to help make Kotoka International airport the Preferred Aviation hub and Leader in airport business in West Africa.

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CORPORATE NEWS

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CORPORATE NEWS

2017 May Day Commemorated Kumasi Airport

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CORPORATE NEWS

2017 May Day Commemorated Tamale Airport

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CORPORATE NEWS

2017 May Day Commemorated Sunyani Airport

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CORPORATE NEWS

Minister Of Aviation Tours The 3 Northern Regions

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he Minister of Aviation, Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah has lauded efforts of staff at the Tamale Airport and encouraged them not to relent in making the Tamale Airport competitive. She was optimistic that given more opportunities, the Tamale Airport will become a major player in the aviation industry.

She made these comments when she embarked on a 3-day working visit to the Northern, Upper West and Upper East Regions of the country to familiarize herself with and gather firsthand knowledge on aviation related installations in the savanna belt of the country.

The Minister, accompanied by of fi c i a l s of G h a n a A i r p o r t s Company Limited (GACL) and Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GACL), was met on arrival by the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Saeed and the Tamale Airport Manager, Mr. Micheal Omane Mensah.

also paid a courtesy call on the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Andani Yakubu, at his palace in Yendi. During the visit, the Chief graciously awarded 6,000 acres of land for the construction of an a e r o d r o m e i n t h e Ye n d i Municipality to ser ve as an emergency landing site.

NORTHERN REGION Tamale Airport The Minister inspected the first phase of the Tamale Airport Upgrade and Expansion Project and subsequently called on the Tamale Chief, Gukpe Naa Alhaji Alhassan Abdulai at his palace.

The Chief impressed on the Minister to take urgent steps to protect the 6,000 acres land.

New parcel of Land at Yendi The Minister and her delegation

The Minister, on behalf of the government and the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Chief and assured that immediate steps would be taken to protect the land from encroachment.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Minister Of Aviation Tours The 3 Northern Regions (Continued) UPPER WEST REGION Wa Naa's Palace At the Wa Naa's Palace, the Chief, through his representative, Guli Naa Seidu Braimah, called on the government to speed up efforts in making sure the Wa Airstrip was operational.

In her response, the Minister of Aviation assured him of governments resolve to work with GACL and GCAA to make the Wa Airstrip operational.

She later toured the Wa Airport and inspected the newly rehabilitated and refurbished terminal building.

The scope of works at the airport

included construction of access road and car park, repainting of runway pavement markings, repair of perimeter fence and embarkment slopes.

overgrown with weeds due to long periods of inactivity. The Minister said steps will be taken to make the airstrip operational to boost tourism.

Wa Airstrip At the Wa airstrip, the Minister toured the National Commission of culture building which had since been remodeled and refurbished into a terminal facility. The scope of works included construction of access road and car park, repainting of the runway pavement markings, repair of perimeter fence and repair of embankment slopes.

BOLGATANGA AND PAGA In Bolgatanga, the Minister and her team called on the Paramount Chief of Talensi who is also a member of the Council of State, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang, and the Paramount Chief of Sherigu Naaba Alunmann Apasinaba II.

Meanwhile, the Minister and her team also toured the abandoned Mole Park airstrip which had

She inspected the proposed site for the Bolgatanga airstrip in Sherigu and also visited the abandoned Paga airstrip site.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Jones Okumko bows out...

Farewell party held in his honour

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he Electricals section of the Fa c i l i t i e s M a n a g e m e n t Department has organized a farewell party in honour of Mr Jones O k u m ko . H e p ro c e e d e d o n retirement in April 2017 after serving the aviation industry for thirty-seven years. Staff of the section presented him with a double-door fridge, water dispenser and toaster. In an interview, Mr Okumko expressed his deepest appreciation to the section for the honour done him. He advised staff to continue with the good work by giving off their best in their line of duty.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Co-operative Workers Credit Union Inaugurated

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he GACL Co-operative Workers Credit Union has been inaugurated.

The idea of a credit union was conceived by the Divisional Union of GACL to support members in times of need.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director, Mr John Dekyem Attafuah, congratulated the newly elected Board and

advised them to be fair in their dealings with members. He further advised them to engage the services of Auditors to audit their activities in the spirit of transparency.

The newly elected 11-member board includes representatives of the various departments.

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CORPORATE NEWS

New Davsec interacts with Avsec Personnel

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he newly appointed Director, Aviation Security, Col. Emmanuel Akohene Mensah (Rtd) has called on staff of Aviation Security to exhibit the highest level of discipline in the discharge of their duties as this was critical to their success as security professionals. He indicated that the use of mobile phones, pilfering and other vices whiles at duty posts smacks of indiscipline and urged staff to be courteous but firm in carrying out their duties.

The forum was organized to introduce Col. Akohene to Aviation Security Personnel.

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CORPORATE NEWS

T3 Project - Various groups tour site

MD Tour

Hon. Minister of Aviation

ACSA Team

Board of Airline Representatives (BAR)

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CORPORATE NEWS

Ministry of Aviation interacts with Agencies

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he Ministry of Avia on has organized a one-day seminar for its agencies.

The purpose of the seminar was to understand the opera ons of each agency and to develop objec ves and an ac on plan for the Ministry.

The seminar which brought together officials of GACL and GCAA was chaired by the Hon. Minister of Avia on, Ms Cecilia Dapaah and other officials of the Ministry.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Rev. Gadzegba honoured

by GACMA Rev. William Gadzegba has been honoured by the GACL Managers Association (GACMA) at a ceremony at the GACL conference room. He was presented with a ceramic vase with inscribed goodwill messages and cash.

Rev. Gadzegba expressed appreciation to the association for the gesture and wished members well in their endeavours.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Farewell dinner held in Honour of Former MD

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farewell dinner has been organized in honour of Mr Charles Kwame Asare, former Managing Director.

The event was attended by Mr John Dekyem Attafuah, Managing Director, GACL, Mr Bongani Maseko, MD-Airports Company of South Africa, Mr Girish Gopal, Chief Operating Officer-ACSA, some management members and representatives of the Divisional Union.

He was hopeful that the good work that had been started will be continued.

On his part, the current Managing Director, Mr John Attafuah thanked Mr Asare for his contribution to the development of airports in Ghana and the aviation industry as a whole.

He was presented with a citation and other gift items.

In his farewell remarks, Mr Asare applauded the efforts of staff in contributing to the success of GACL.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Farewell dinner held in Honour of Former MD

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CORPORATE NEWS

Fly Mid Africa launches inaugural ight to Ghana Fly Mid Africa – a Gambianowned airline – has launched its inaugural flight to the Kotoka International Airport, Ghana. Officials of GCAA, GACL and representatives of the airline were at the airport to welcome the flight.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Fly Mid Africa, Mr Bakary Nyassi, said the airline will initially serve six West African destinations, namely Banjul, Freetown, Dakar-

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Senegal, Accra-Ghana, Lagos Nigeria, and MonroviaLiberia. According to him the airline will provide an affordable alternative for business and leisure travelers.

The Deputy Managing Director, Finance and General Services, Dr. John Okwesie Authur, congratulated the airline and wished them fruitful operations in Ghana.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Galac Organizes Happy Hour Session

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he GACL Ladies Association has organized a happy hour session for members. In attendance was the Managing Director, Mr

John Dekyem Attafuah who took to the dancing floor with some members of the association.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Minister Of Aviation visits Ho Airport

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he Hon. Minister of Aviation, Ms Cecila Abena Dapaah has paid a working visit to the Ho Airport site. She was accompanied by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, the Managing Director of GACL, Mr John Dekyem Attafuah and other officials of both the Ministry and GACL.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Managing Director visits Tamale, Wa, Paga and Bolga

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he Managing Director, Mr John Dekyem Attafuah has visited Tamale, Wa, Bolga and Paga to familiarize himself with on-going projects and facilities at the various sites.

In Tamale, Mr Attafuah paid a courtesy call on the Base Commander, Group Captain Frank Hanson who made a humble appeal for Tamale airport to be supplied with minimum ground handling equipment that will enable them handle at least emergency services.

In response, Mr Attafuah assured the Base C o m m a n d e r of G AC L’s

commitment to extend ground handling services in the short term and explore the possibility of establishing Maintenance, Repair, Operate (MRO) services and Fixed Base Operators (FBO) in the near future.

The Managing Director later met with staff and inspected work on the runway.

In Wa, the MD and his entourage interacted with contractors and inspected completed work on the terminal building and runway.

He later made stops in Paga to inspect the airstrip and

the land allocated for an airstrip in Bolga. He had earlier paid courtesy calls on the Regional Administration in Upper East & Upper West regions respectively.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Managing Director visits Tamale, Wa, Paga and Bolga

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CORPORATE NEWS

Hon. Minister pays working Visit to Central & Western Regions

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he Hon. Minister of Aviation, Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah has paid a working visit to the Central and Western Regions to familiarize herself with proposed sites and facilities at the various locations. She was accompanied by her deputy, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Mr John Attafuah, Managing Director, GACL, Mr Simon Allotey, Director-General, GCAA and other officials from the Ministry of Aviation, GACL and GCAA. The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Kwamena Duncan and later visited the proposed site for development of an airstrip. In her remarks, the Minister of Aviation reiterated government's commitment to establish an airstrip in Capecoast considering the vast tourism potential in the region. On his part, Hon. Kwamena Duncan pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council in making the dream of establishing an airstrip in CapeCoast, a reality.

In Takoradi, the team took a tour of facilities at the airport and subsequently visited the proposed site for the construction of an airport in Princess Town.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Hon. Minister pays working Visit to Central & Western Regions

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COURTESY CALLS

Courtesy calls on Managing Director Quieroz Galvao

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delegation from Quieroz Galvao, led by the Managing Director, West Africa and Kenya, Marcos Alexander Silva has paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mr John Dekyem Attafuah. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Managing Director of GACL on his appointment and to share with him the company's business performance, contribution to national development, Tamale Airport – Phase 2, challenges and prospects for the future.

GACL and Quieroz Galvao during the first phase of the Tamale Airport Project and indicated their preparedness to commence work on the second phase.

Mr John Attafuah, while expressing his gratitude for the visit, commended the company for executing a good job with the first phase of the Tamale Airport. He re-emphasized the commitment of government to ensure that the aviation industry was given the needed boost and said the commencement and completion of second phase was critical.

In his remarks, Mr Silva recounted the excellent working relationship that existed between

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COURTESY CALLS

Tv3

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he Chief Executive Officer of TV3 network, Mr. Jimi Matthews has paid a cour tesy call on the Managing Director, Mr. John Dekyem Attafuah to

congratulate him on his appointment and to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between GACL and Tv3 network.

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UBA Bank Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, Managing Director of UBA Bank led a team of executives to pay a courtesy call on Mr John Dekyem Attafuah, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited.

The visit afforded the executives an opportunity congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well. They also discussed how UBA could partner GACL for mutual benefit.

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COURTESY CALLS

Ethiopian Airlines Mr John Attafuah has hinted that creating a conducive atmosphere and a fair playing field for businesses operating at the airport to thrive and grow was a key part of the strategy of becoming a hub. He stressed the need for operators to charge competitive but not exhorbitant fares.

him to congratulate him on his appointment and assure him of their continued support.

They also used the opportunity to discuss some operational challenges.

Mr Attafuah thanked the Executives for the visit and assured them of GACL's commitment to address the challenges identified.

He made these observations when Executives from Ethiopian Airlines paid a courtesy call on

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Israeli Ambassador

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he Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Ami Mehl, paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director, Mr. John Attafuah to congratulate him on his appointment and also discuss how GACL could tap into Israeli aviation expertise and business in general.

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COURTESY CALLS

Ghana Tourism Authority

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delegation from the Ghana Tourism Authority led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, has paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director, Mr. John Attafuah.

The purpose of the visit was to among other things

congratulate him on his appointment, discuss issues of collaboration to improve leisure travel and explore the possibility of positioning a desk at the arrivals hall to establish presence.

Fujilm

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delegation from Fujifilm, led by Mr. Khalil Amiroune, has called on Dr. John Okwesi Arthur, Deputy Managing Director (Finance

and General Services) to hold discussions on areas where the two institutions could collaborate for mutual benefit.

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COURTESY CALLS

Senior Staff Executives

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xecutives of Ghana Airports Senior Staff Association have paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director, Mr John Attafuah to officially congratulate him on his appointment and also introduce the executives of the association to

him. The President of the association, Eric Kyermateng, while outlining a few concerns of staff, indicated the commitment of members of the association to ensuring that the vision of GACL is achieved.

Galac Executives

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he Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company limited (GACL), Mr John Attafuah, has charged executives of Ghana Airports Ladies Club (GALAC) to take advantage of GACL's corporate goodwill and venture into the corporate world for sponsorship to carry out their activities. He

made these observations when executives of Ghana Airports Ladies Club (GALAC), led by its President, Mrs Juliet Aboagye Wiafe, called on him to congratulate him on his appointment and to officially introduce the club and its executives to him.

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CORPORATE NEWS

Acsa Team On Orat

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team from the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) was in Accra for the assessment phase of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) in preparation for the transfer of operations from

Terminal 2 to Terminal 3. The team met with the Management team of GACL after which they held series of meetings with the GACL ORAT team during the 4-day period.

Second Quarter FOD walk held

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he second quarter FOD walk has taken place at KIA. Every year, quarterly walks are held as part of the GACL Safety Awareness and Promotion Programme. The aim of the walk is to create awareness on the

dangers of FOD and the need to prevent damage to aircraft. Some of the items participants look out for are bolts, nuts, cans, loose metals among others.

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

Staff undergo leading effective classroom instruction

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cross-section of staff have undergone a one week course in Leading Effective Classroom Instruction- an Airport C o u n c i l I n te r n a t i o n a l ( AC L ) o rg a n i z e d programme at the Learning and Development Centre.

Sixteen (16) participants took part in the one week programme facilitated by Jean-Marc Guillemette, PHD.

The objective of the course was to enable participants learn to apply the principles and techniques of effective classroom instruction, learn key principles that makes a good instructor, develop a complete session plan and instructional aids, learn how to use instructional methods best suited to lesson objectives, explain how to prepare effective examination and training reports.

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Course on Bomb Threat And Evacuation Procedures held

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viation Security Instructors have organized a training programme on Bomb threat and Evacuation Procedures at the Learning and Development Centre, KIA.

The objectives of the course was to among others expose participants to the types of explosive devices, components of an Improved Explosive Device (IED) and evacuation procedures among others.

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

Avsec staff undergo Basic Aviation Screening Skills training

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v i a t i o n S e c u r i t y Pe r s o n n e l h a v e u n d e rg o n e a o n e - w e e k t r a i n i n g programme in Basic Aviation Screening at the Learning & Development Centre, KIA. The course was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to

conduct thorough physical searches on persons and items. It was also aimed at equipping participants with the ability to safely operate xray screening equipment inorder to identify prohibited items in the cabin or hold baggage of an aircraft.

Workshop on management of Public Health Emergencies

three-day workshop on Managing Public Health Events has been organized by the World Health Organization in collaboration with Public Health Services.

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In a statement, the Managing Director of GACL, Mr John Attafuah, commended the organizers of the workshop for providing the needed training for frontline agencies at the airport.

The purpose of this workshop was to equip stakeholders at the airport with the needed skills, knowledge and competencies for detecting, handling and responding to any public health event.

He assured Port Health of GACL's support and cooperation in their surveillance activities to help identify outbreak of diseases and other health issues in order to control and eliminate the various health risks.

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

Executive Training in Leadership & management

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r. Robert Tagoe, Director Human Resources, has indicated that GACL will con nue to grow and build the capaci es and competencies of its staff to ensure that they remain compe ve and relevant in their areas of exper se. He said this at the opening of a weeklong Execu ve Training in Leadership and Management held at the GACL Learning and Development Centre.

The programme, facilitated by a team of experienced professionals, Dr. Paul Effah, Chris Essikpe and A a Paidoo, brought together 30 par cipants from different departments within the organiza on.

visionary approach to work as according to her, that was the only way to grow, mentor and harness the poten al of their subordinates.

The objec ves of the course was to, among other things, expose course par cipants to emerging trends in corporate leadership and governance, corporate vision, mission and values that make employees emo onally engaged and commi ed to their organiza onal goals, the importance of succession planning in performance management, how to maximize team standards by increasing crea vity to achieve targets, how to develop modern techniques and skills in communica on to improve employee rela on climate etc.

In brief remark, the President of AUCC, Koryoe Anim-Wright entreated par cipants to adopt a

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

Orientation for Aviation Ministry staff

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taff of the Ministry of Aviation have undergone a day's orientation to familiarize themselves with the operations at GACL. Opening the session, the Deputy Minister of Aviation, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, urged staff to par ticipate fully in the programme to reap the needed benefits. He was hopeful that the knowledge acquired will improve the working relationship between GACL and the Ministry.

Heads of the various departments took turns to give an overview of their operations.

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

First Aid Training for Staff

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cross-section of staff have undergone a two-week training programme in First aid at the Learning and Development Centre, KIA. The training was facilitated by the Ghana National Ambulance Service.

The course was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and

skills to save lives at the workplace, homes or in the community.

Participants were taken through effective handling of Respirator y emergencies, Breathing control and shock, Fainting, Burns management, Infants and adults CPR and treatment of Musculoskeletal injuries.

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TRAINING / CONFERENCES

Sita training Organized

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cross-section of staff of the Airport Operations Depar tment have undergone training in the use of an upgraded version of the SITA system at the airport.

The team was taken through the different screen layouts for different types of users, flight data configuration and check-in counters, carousels allocation among others.

Training on Aviation Security Operational Mentoring

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e v e n AV S E C S u p e r v i s o r s h a v e participated in Security Operational Mentoring Training.

The purpose of the training was to equip supervisors with the Knowledge and skills to supervise effectively.

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