The Minister of Aviation Gloria Akuffo, has commissioned the first excess baggage service centre at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra yesterday.

The company to operate the centre, WorldEx, is to help transport extra luggage to travellers in countries around the world. Travellers can fly and then have excess baggage sent separately, to catch up with them later.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Ms Akuffo said Ghana's aviation and air travel industry is one of the fastest growing and competitive in sub-saharan Africa.

Since the year 2000, the number of cargo and commercial carriers operating in Kotoka has risen from 14 to now about 24 in June this year.

There is therefore the need to increase old haulage centres as well as to create new ones to correspond with the sharp rise in air line haulage and baggage transport.

She said considering the trouble passengers go through when their luggage is rejected at the last minute or are required to pay instantly for excess weight, the idea of an excess baggage centre to help send it later, even to their door step, is an excellent one that must be applauded by all.

"Checking in at the airport becomes a minefield for many due to the limited baggage allowed by airlines, but with every challenge comes a new opening for creative minds," she said.

Ms Akuffo pointed out that due to the problems associated with excess baggage, most airports in advanced countries have commissioned such facilities to deal with the problem. It is therefore right that as Ghana is promoting a Golden Age of Business, the major gateway should also boast of such a facility.

The Minister however cautioned the management and staff of the company to be wary of activities of criminals, charging them to be vigilant in all their endeavours not to compromise the security of the nation.

In his welcome address, the Acting Director General of GCAA, Nii Adumansa-Baddoo, pointed out that most airports around the world, especially in developing counties, derive a sizable proportion of their revenue from non-aeronautical sources like retailing and property income.

Growing profits from non-aeronautical revenue from other airports will serve as a big challenge to the new Ghana Ports Company Limited which will become operational next year, he said. They will count on retail concessions from such companies to meet the challenges.

Nii Adumansa-Baddoo hinted that other facilities such as snack bars, restaurants, music shops, baggage wrapping and Kente weaving centres will be set up in the future to make KIA not only a vibrant airport but also a convenient travel avenue for passengers.

Executive Chairman of WorldEx, Robbie Nana Yaw Owusu stated that his company was established in response to demands by travellers in the UK who were not pleased with the limited baggage allowance and charges for their excesses.

He promised that his outfit would offer services at competitive rates. "We will listen and improve our services to make air travel much easier where one will not have to carry heavy things in their hand luggage," he added.