Accra, April 11, GNA - Ghana and US on Friday exchanged ideas on how to develop and maintain a safe, efficient aviation system locally under the Safe Skies for Africa initiative. The US intends to assist Ghana to achieve the stated objectives of the initiative by assisting her through a technical review of aviation safety and security systems.

A meeting between Ghanaian and US officials in Accra on the subject also touched on improving regional transportation system by identifying sources of strategic investment for transportation infrastructure. The Minister of Aviation, Ms. Gloria Akuffo and Mr Thomas J Barrett, US Deputy Secretary of Transportation led their respective delegations. Ms. Akuffo said Ghana intended to re-establish direct air transportation links between the two countries, as well as increase safe and secure intra-Africa air transportation links. She noted that there was the need to identify potential public and private capital for local and regional transportation infrastructure and increase cooperative efforts to enhance safety and security in the transportation sector.

Mr. Barrett said safe and secure air travel, including secure airport facilities, were prerequisites for Ghana's increasing integration into the global family. He said safe skies were necessary for increased trade, attracting investment, encouraging tourism and weaving together an integrated regional society. Mr. Barrett expressed the intention of the US to help Ghana marshal the political will and long-term resource commitments necessary to meet the goals of the US Department of Transportation's Safe Skies for Africa initiative.