PE Travel & Tourism News - 07 08 25

Kenya Launches Visa-Free Entry for All African Nationals to Boost Tourism and Trade
All eight persons on board a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter have died after the aircraft crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday morning.

The helicopter, which took off from Accra at 9:12am, lost radar contact en route to Obuasi. It was carrying three crew members and five passengers.At a 2:30pm press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the deaths and named the victims. They include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Eyewitnesses say the aircraft was flying low before a loud explosion was heard. Parts of the wreckage were seen in flames, with at least four bodies burnt beyond recognition.The Ghana Armed Forces say investigations are underway.
Ghana has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Air Navigation Services (ANS) Centre in Accra, positioning the country as a regional leader in aviation safety and air traffic control.

The six-story facility, among the largest in Africa, is designed to handle increasing air traffic volumes while supporting Ghana’s ambitions to become the hub of West African aviation. Commissioned by President John Mahama, the centre was described as central to building a “21st-century aviation ecosystem anchored on safety and inter-agency collaboration.”
“This goes beyond terminals and runways,” President Mahama said. “This is about the invisible backbone of aviation—navigation and safety oversight.” The ANS Centre is equipped with advanced communication, surveillance, weather monitoring, and air traffic management systems. It will serve as the operational base for air traffic controllers overseeing Ghana’s Flight Information Region.

The launch also marks the official separation of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) regulatory and operational roles. This restructuring was mandated by 2020–2021 legislation to align with global aviation standards.
GCAA Director General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, described the new centre as a strategic asset in Ghana’s 24-hour economy vision, adding that “every flight is guided safely and efficiently.”

Alongside the ANS Centre launch, Ghana has rolled out a suite of digital aviation security tools aimed at modernizing air travel oversight and enhancing border control efficiency. Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur highlighted the deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, now managed through a new Multi-Agency Command Centre. These technologies enable real-time information sharing between immigration, customs, and national security bodies—replacing outdated paper-based systems.

Project coordinator Francis Bullen Gavor emphasized the impact of the upgrade: “We’re no longer fighting today’s threats with yesterday’s tools.” He said the API/PNR systems will significantly improve “pre-arrival intelligence” and passenger risk assessments.

President Mahama noted that this digital transformation lays the foundation for future innovations such as e-visas, airport e-gates, and expanded port facilities.These developments are expected to reduce flight delays, streamline security protocols, and make Ghana’s aviation sector more attractive to international carriers. By consolidating air navigation and security operations, Ghana is positioning itself as a central player in the future of West African aviation.

Kenya has officially begun implementing its landmark visa-free policy for all African nationals, a bold move aimed at promoting intra-African travel, trade, and tourism. The policy, announced by President William Ruto during the 2023 Africa Climate Summit, took effect this month following the rollout of a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Under the new arrangement, citizens of African countries no longer need to apply for traditional visas before traveling to Kenya. Instead, they are required to complete a simple online travel authorization form prior to arrival, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

President Ruto said the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of a fully integrated and borderless continent. “By opening our borders, we are opening up opportunities—for entrepreneurs, students, tourists, and professionals,” he stated during the launch.

Tourism stakeholders in Kenya have welcomed the policy, predicting a surge in regional arrivals and a boost for hotels, airlines, and local businesses. The Kenya Tourism Board projects a 25% increase in African visitor numbers by the end of the year.

Kenya joins a growing list of African countries including Rwanda, The Gambia, and Benin that have adopted open visa policies for fellow African nations. The move also supports the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at increasing intra-African commerce and connectivity.Analysts say Kenya’s leadership in easing travel restrictions could inspire other nations to follow suit, accelerating the dream of free movement across Africa’s borders.

Source : Travel & Tourism News -Joycelyn Marigold