Transport Minister Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe has inaugurated a 10-member task force charged with laying the groundwork for the re-establishment of a National Airline for Ghana.
The task force, unveiled in Accra on Wednesday, is responsible for finalising a business model, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing key engagements with both strategic and technical partners. It will also handle operational elements such as staffing, fleet acquisition, and route development, while submitting periodic reports and recommendations to the Office of the President through the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Nikpe noted that this initiative is in line with a commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
“It is our belief that the task force will do diligent work and ensure that the pledge the President made to the people of Ghana comes to pass,” he said.
He emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative, stating that a successful national carrier would unlock Ghana’s potential in the aviation industry and contribute to national growth.
The collapse of Ghana Airways in the early 2000s, followed by unsuccessful revival attempts, left a gap in the country’s aviation presence. Mr. Nikpe believes the time is right to reclaim that space, positioning Ghana as the premier aviation hub in West Africa.
The minister said the new airline could strengthen Ghana’s global image, enhance tourism, and support the country’s ambition of moving from lower to higher middle-income status. Establishing a home-based carrier, he added, is central to transforming Ghana into a transportation hub within the sub-region.
He expressed confidence that the airline would not only broaden travel options for Ghanaians but also drive competition on critical international routes.
Task force chairman Mr. Charles Asare assured the public of the team’s commitment, praising the diverse expertise of its members and underlining the symbolic significance of the national carrier.
He described the project as a “national dream” and pledged that the team would diligently carry out its duties in line with the terms of reference.
Other members of the task force include Vice Chairman Twumasi-A. Selby, Secretary Eric Tetteh-Addison, and members Yvonne Opare, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Benjamin Ahlijah, Patricia Bonsu, Rev. Stephen Arthur, and Daniel Acquah.
