Accra, (Greater Accra) 17 Sept.,

A three- day regional seminar of the International Federation of the Airline Pilots' Association (IFALFA) began in Accra today with aircraft safety featuring prominently in the presentations. The seminar, hosted by the Ghana chapter of the association, aims at correcting the deficiencies in the aviation industry in order to make it" accident free." The 60 participants made up of pilots and aviation experts from Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, will also examine existing international standards and new developments in aviation as well as draw up policy proposals for IFALPA . Mr Mike Hammah, Deputy Minister of Roads and Transport, said it is government policy to create an enabling environment to ensure that high standards in aviation safety is maintained. He said government's commitment to safety has enabled Ghana Airways secure with little difficulty Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of America's approval to operate direct flights to and from New York. " Ghana will continue to cooperate fully with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other organisations whose aim is to ensure safety in aviation," he added. Mr Hammah said the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will continue with the application of current aviation safety policies within ICAO's framework as well as revise local aviation regulation with the view to ensure its consistency with the framework. The deputy minister, however, conceded the numerous constrains facing the aviation industry in Ghana including airline operators licensing procedures, overseas visa restrictions, uncompetitive aviation fuel prices and the general growth in traffic to and from Ghana. " Despite these constraints we are forging ahead to maintain the structures that ensure safety." Mr Hammah noted that government was not happy with the publicity campaign mounted by IFALPA last year about the " Unsafe African Skies" and implored them to review that status. Another area of concern was the inadequate aviation communication links between countries in the sub- region. " If we are to communicate to Abidjan or Luanda, it has to routed through Dakar. This breeds grounds for unsafe flying."