Since the official liquidation of Ghana’s national carrier, successive governments have made numerous attempts to revive the country’s airline industry.
The idea of reintroducing a national airline has surfaced repeatedly over the years, yet without lasting success.
During the 2024 campaign, the then National Democratic Congress Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama made a firm commitment to reestablish Ghana’s National Airline which is an essential step toward restoring national pride and boosting our economic potential.
True to his word, he has inaugurated a 10-member Task Force mandated to deliver on this strategic promise.
Interestingly, this proposal has sparked significant national debate.
Some argue for full government ownership, while others suggest a public-private partnership with an established airline, one that will leverage Ghana’s national identity without assuming full operational responsibility.
Now, these discussions reflect the broader question: does Ghana truly need a national carrier.
In the opinion of this author, the answer is a resounding yes.
Ghana’s strategic geographic location at the heart of West Africa positions it naturally as a hub for trade, job creation, tourism and investment.
However, the absence of a reliable national airline has constrained our ability to fully capitalise on growing regional and global air traffic.
Clearly, establishing a national carrier would not only enhance direct connectivity between Accra and major global destinations but also boost tourism, facilitate business travel and support economic diversification.
Moreover, a national airline would provide direct routes that reduce travel time and costs for both Ghanaians and international visitors, making Ghana more competitive as a regional gateway.
And the economic impact would extend beyond aviation: job creation, skills development and technological innovation in the sector would have a ripple effect on allied industries such as hospitality, logistics and aircraft maintenance.
Importantly, a well-governed and professionally managed national carrier would be a symbol of national ambition and pride and reflect Ghana’s pursuit of growth, self-reliance and global integration. By learning from past mistakes and implementing a sound business model with strong regulatory oversight, Ghana can build a sustainable, homegrown airline that contributes meaningfully to her development agenda – “the Ghana we want!”
The time has come not just to revisit this idea, but to realise it with clarity of vision, institutional discipline and strong political will.
Ten-Member Task Force tasked to set-up to establish a National Airline:
The 10-member Task Force comprises seasoned experts and key stakeholders in the aviation industry.
It is chaired by Mr Charles Asare, former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Other notable members include, Mr. Hugh Tamakloe, Mr Benjamin Ahlijah, and Madam Patricia Bonsu, as well as the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Reverend Stephen Arthur.
The Managing Director of GACL Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, former Deputy Minister of Transport and legal expert, Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari, former Deputy Director-General (Technical) of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Daniel Acquah, and Mr Eric Tetteh-Addison of the Ministry of Transport.
About the Author:
Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari is a Senior Presidential Aide and Presidential Advisor.
She is also a former Deputy Transport Minister and a member of the taskforce set-up to establish a National Airline.
