The Minister of Transport,Joseph Bukari Nikpe has inaugurated a 10-member task force with the duty of re-establishing the country’s national airline (Ghana Airways). This initiative aims to revitalize the country’s aviation sector and position Ghana as a competitive hub in West Africa.
The task force is chaired by Charles Asare, former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited.
The task force is mandated to develop a viable business model and operational framework for the airline, coordinate engagements with potential strategic and technical partners, oversee regulatory compliance and certification processes, and facilitate initial operational arrangements, including staffing, fleet acquisition, and route planning.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized the importance of leveraging Ghana’s existing airport infrastructure and strategic location.
He stated, “We have facilities at our national airport, and other airlines are taking advantage of them. It is only proper that we, as a people, benefit from these opportunities. Our vision is to make Ghana a transportation hub, whether in aviation, maritime, or by road. This airline will play a crucial role in connecting the sub-region and the world.”
We are the gateway to Africa, and we are establishing ourselves to become the aviation hub of Africa. We cannot do this without participating in that industry. For this reason, the president has constituted you, to ensure that we compete and also take advantage of the facilities we have worked so hard for over the years.
“Our vision as a government and as the Ministry of Transport is to make Ghana a transportation hub, whether in aviation, maritime, or by road. Our vision is that you play the role of connecting people within the sub-region and the rest of the world,”
On behalf of the task force, the Chairman, Charles Asare touted the teams expertise and assured the taskforce is well equipped to take on the duty.
“The vision is very clear to us and the task ahead is quite defined. Some members of the team, I have worked with I can say that we have the right skills and experience to deliver this dream,” he said
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism about the new initiative, emphasizing the need for a transparent process to attract competent and established partners to help Ghana create a new national airline.
Other members include Twumasi Ankrah-Selby (Vice Chairman), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare (Managing Director, GACL), aviation industry experts Hugh Tamakloe, Benjamin Ahlijah, and Patricia Bonsu, Rev. Stephen Arthur (Director-General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority), former Deputy Minister of Transport Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Daniel Acquah (former Deputy Director-General, Technical, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority), and a representative from the Ministry of Transport.
Ghana has been without a national airline since the demise of Ghana Airways in 2004 and the collapse of its successor, Ghana International Airlines, in 2010.
Previous attempts to establish a national carrier, including partnerships with Ashanti Airlines and the Zotus Group, faced setbacks due to unmet critical deadlines and challenges in securing necessary certifications.
The establishment of a national airline is seen as a crucial step in enhancing regional air connectivity and supporting economic integration and tourism growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The task force’s work is expected to lay the foundation for a sustainable and competitive national airline that will serve the interests of Ghanaians and position the country favorably in the global aviation industry.
story by: Leanne Opoku Agyemang