Ghana, Switzerland Sign Air Transport Agreement

 CD, Ministry of Aviation, Mr Kojo Scott (left) and H.E. Nicholas Lang, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, sign for their respective countries

Ghana and Switzerland, today, in Accra, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development and librealisation of air services between the two countries.

The MoU expected to enter into force after ratification by both countries by the year 2009.

The Chief Director at the Ministry OF Aviation, Mr Kojo Scott, who signed on behalf of the Ghana Government, noted that the agreement is in line with both countries commitment to promote an international aviation system based on competition among airlines in the market place and the facilitation of the expansion of international air services.

'Both Ghana and Switzerland recognize that efficient and competitive international air services enhance trade, the welfare of consumers as well as economic growth and aim to ensure the highest degree of safety and security in the international air services,' he stated.

According to him, the agreement recognises the designation of (Swiss International Airline) 'SWISS' and Ghana International Airlines as national carriers of the two parties, saying provision for code sharing and other commercial operations have been made.

He explained that the MoU, thus grants provisional approval to carriers of both countries to commence operations immediately pending the signing and ratification by both Governments of the main services agreement.

The Chief Director said the agreement will serve as basis for good co-operation and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the two countries.

The Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Nicholas Lang, who signed on behalf of the Switzerland Government, noted that the MoU is crucial and an important step to ensure that the Swiss International Airline agreement is reviewed for improved business between the two countries since there are Swiss investors in the country.

He explained that even though the airline faces economic problems, it is now a new company with better services and that it will ensure economic growth between the two countries.