Unique private international airline Goldstar Air, Ghanaian and United States-registered company with an issued Air Carrier Licence (ACL/N-SCH No 0239) from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate passenger and cargo flights across West Africa and intercontinental routes, has positioned itself as a transformative force in the cargo and logistics industry. With the implementation of 24-hour cargo services, the airline aims to enhance the efficiency of trade operations and serve as a critical engine for Ghana’s global commercial expansion, supporting the airline’s Project $1 Trillion Foreign Reserves Initiative.
The airline’s commitment to 24-hour operations will drive Ghana’s trade globally by enhancing turnaround times, reducing inventory holding costs, and increasing the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports in international markets. Goldstar Air’s operational efficiency will address one of the major bottlenecks in Africa’s logistics landscape, unreliable transport schedules and give Ghana a unique advantage in meeting global demand for rapid fulfillment.
Goldstar Air has sought international intervention to look into the issuance of the airline’s wide-body aircraft Safety Certificate (AOC) and waiting for the outcome, as the process is above halfway and it has been over eight years that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is not ready to get a qualified third-party to complete the remaining phases of the certification process. For wide-body aircraft, the qualifications and requirements are more rigorous due to the complexity and scale of operations.
Global commerce has become increasingly dependent on rapid and reliable logistics, Goldstar Air’s cargo department is positioned to fill a strategic void in West Africa’s transportation network to global markets, elevating Ghana’s trade capabilities to world-class standards. Therefore, there is no need to delay the issuance of the airline’s Safety Certificate to start the 24-hour economy and create over two million direct and indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians. The Ghanaian youth cannot wait any longer in the ghettos, they need their well-paying jobs.
The diversification of Ghana’s economy relies heavily on a robust logistics sector, and Goldstar Air is building the backbone of this transformation. Non-traditional exports such as textiles, ceramics, aluminum products, jewelry, crafts, automotive parts, and industrial chemicals require efficient cargo support. Goldstar Air’s 24-hour flexible service packages will cater to both bulk exporters and small consignments, ensuring that startups and micro-enterprises can also participate in global trade. The airline’s flexible pricing model, loyalty programs for businesses, and preferential cargo rates for rural producers will democratize access to international markets.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), air cargo is a key driver towards the achievement of the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Air cargo plays a pivotal role as a trade facilitator for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), offering the opportunity to link remote markets across continents and integrate them into the global supply chain.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America will also integrate courier services as an extension of its cargo department. A user-friendly 24-hour courier service app will be launched, allowing users to track packages, schedule pickups, and access delivery information. The app will feature real-time tracking, automated updates, and electronic signatures upon delivery. The airline will prioritize speed, offering same-day or next-day delivery seven days a week and 365 days a year, to tap into the $2.2 Trillion global cargo income stream.
Senior Bureau Official of the United States Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, disclosed that Africa is the world’s largest untapped market and by 2050 projected to be home to a quarter of the world’s population of 2.5 billion people, with a purchasing power of over $16 Trillion. This will rival the economies of the United States’ three largest trading partners: Canada, China, and Mexico and this is one of the means of Goldstar Air’s 24-hour service in achieving the airline’s Project $1 Trillion foreign reserves.
During a strategic speech delivered on May 14, 2025, in Abidjan, Ambassador Fitrell noted that from Washington’s perspective, Africa’s extraordinary commercial potential is evident. He emphasized that United States–Africa business partnerships remain a central priority for the Trump Administration in Africa, by putting trade outcomes, private-sector investment, and bankable partnerships at the center of its foreign policy agenda. African economies are projected to grow at rates above global averages through 2030.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America is committed to technology and customer service support. This will include 24/7 support through dedicated phone lines, emails, a unique tracking system, and WhatsApp channels. The airline will also provide SMS updates on package status and delivery notifications.
The airline 24-hour service will employ and train Okada riders for fast and agile delivery services in both congested cities and urban areas. The Okada riders will be equipped with GPS-enabled devices for real-time tracking and efficient routing to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Goldstar Air’s 24-hour dispatch riders and drivers will undergo background checks from the Ghana Police Service, and receive certification and training from the airline’s security department, forming part of the over two million job opportunities being created. Given the complexity and security of airport operations, characterized by controlled access, traffic patterns, and strict regulations, transporting items to and from airports will require the use of Goldstar Air’s app-based ride service, staffed by experienced and certified drivers. The airline will work closely with law enforcement worldwide to maintain order.
Goldstar Air has signed an agreement with an aviation and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing company and will introduce electric vehicles and electric motorbikes (Okada) for the airline’s 24-hour courier services, which is an extended department of the air cargo, specifically designed for light cargo and reducing carbon emissions and operating costs. The airline will also install electric chargers at strategic locations, including all airports, malls, rest stops, and filling stations across Ghana, as well as private homes, to ensure consistent fleet operations.
According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air Eric Bannerman, operating around the clock will allow the airline to provide uninterrupted services for exporters, importers, logistics companies, and government agencies. The 24-hour cargo system will ensure that time-sensitive goods such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, electronics, spare parts, and industrial components reach their destinations without delay. By operating 24/7, Goldstar Air will facilitate night-time and early-morning exports and imports, minimizing congestion at terminals and ensuring smoother logistics flows.
The demand for air cargo is driven by time-sensitive products and industries such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Ghana’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and center of the world positions it as a logistical gateway to West Africa.
Goldstar Air’s cargo hubs will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including temperature-controlled storage, warehousing, customs clearance, bonded terminals, and digital cargo tracking systems. These facilities are critical for maintaining the integrity of supply chains, particularly for industries like floriculture, seafood, tropical fruits, cocoa, and pharmaceuticals.
Implementing the 24-hour cargo services will enable Ghana to better integrate into international supply chains and just-in-time manufacturing systems. As global manufacturers seek partners with predictable and prompt supply capabilities, Ghana will become an attractive destination for sourcing materials, intermediate goods, and finished products. Goldstar Air’s cargo operations will be instrumental in linking Ghanaian businesses to global production hubs in China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Canada. By offering consistent and rapid air cargo connections, Goldstar Air will not only support exports but also streamline the importation of machinery, tools, and technologies essential for Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, will deploy a cargo fleet comprising narrow-body and wide-body aircraft with high payload capacities, capable of handling both palletized and containerized cargo. These aircraft will be fitted with modern loading systems to facilitate efficient handling of high-volume shipments. The 24-hour operational model will enable staggered scheduling, prevent bottlenecks, and maximize aircraft utilization.
The airline’s investment in ground handling equipment, automation, and artificial intelligence-driven cargo management software will ensure precision in loading, unloading, tracking, and route optimization. These measures will reduce transit times and operational costs, benefiting both small and large enterprises.
Agribusiness is one sector poised to gain immensely from Goldstar Air’s 24-hour cargo services. Ghana produces significant quantities of cocoa, shea butter, cashew, mangoes, pineapples, avocados, and yams, all of which are highly perishable and require timely transportation to reach markets in Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East. The extended operational hours will enable farmers, cooperatives, and exporters to ship these goods at optimal freshness and quality. Goldstar Air’s refrigerated containers and cold-chain logistics will preserve produce during transit, reduce spoilage, and boost farmers’ incomes, while enhancing Ghana’s global reputation for high-quality food exports.
Pharmaceutical and medical logistics are another critical area where the airline’s 24-hour cargo operations will provide significant value. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of a resilient and responsive health logistics system. Goldstar Air will prioritize the transport of vaccines, diagnostics, surgical equipment, and emergency supplies on short notice. Temperature-controlled environments and secure packaging will ensure that medical cargo arrives in perfect condition. These services will not only safeguard public health but also position Ghana as a regional healthcare logistics hub for medical NGOs, pharmaceutical companies, and health ministries across West Africa.
The mining and oil sectors, where downtime costs millions of dollars, the availability of a 24-hour cargo airline is indispensable. Mining operations in Ghana and the Sahel require frequent deliveries of equipment, chemicals, lubricants, spare parts, and protective gear. Goldstar Air will prevent disruptions by ensuring reliable cargo movement. Similarly, oil and gas companies require rapid logistics for offshore and onshore operations. The airline’s ability to move specialized machinery and equipment any time of day or night will give it a competitive edge in the energy sector.
Goldstar Air’s commitment to global trade includes value-added services such as customs brokerage, warehousing, documentation, cargo insurance, and end-to-end logistics planning. The airline’s integrated logistics platform will allow businesses to book shipments, track progress in real-time, and access support services without friction. These features will simplify international trade and reduce operational costs for Ghanaian exporters. Collaboration with freight forwarders, logistics companies, and government agencies will ensure the smooth movement of goods through clearance processes.
Expanding Goldstar Air’s cargo network is also a major boost to Ghana’s e-commerce and digital trade goals. As online shopping grows across Africa, logistics is becoming a key driver of progress. Goldstar Air’s infrastructure will support local e-commerce platforms and international logistics providers by enabling timely delivery of goods such as electronics, fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and household items. Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises selling through the airline’s platform will gain access to reliable, affordable cargo services to fulfill international orders, positioning Ghana as a digital trade hub in the subregion.
The airline’s cargo operations will generate jobs across multiple sectors. ground handling crews, warehouse operators, customs agents, freight forwarders, IT support staff, aircraft maintenance teams, and administrative personnel will be recruited into the expanding cargo ecosystem. Additionally, increased exports will create demand for packaging, logistics consultancy, rural aggregation centers, and transportation services. The multiplier effect will boost both rural and urban incomes, reduce unemployment, and drive inclusive economic growth.
Goldstar Air’s 24-hour cargo service will also address regional trade imbalances by enhancing intra-African commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By offering cargo connectivity between Accra and cities such as Abidjan, Lagos, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, and Banjul, promoting the trade of food, textiles, machinery, construction materials, and manufactured goods. The airline is vital for strengthening regional supply chains, reducing external dependencies, and deepening economic integration within ECOWAS and the wider African Union.
Africa has the resources to achieve significant economic growth, and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area goal of eliminating trade barriers presents a prime opportunity for the continent. In response, Goldstar Air has introduced Afrik Allianz, a multi-modal, single-air transportation alliance designed to link Africa with global markets and create sustainable employment. This will connect African businesses and support over 44 million Small and Medium-sized Enterprises across the continent.
Tourism and hospitality sectors also depend heavily on cargo logistics. Goldstar Air cargo department will serve hotels, restaurants, airlines, and event planners by transporting imported wine, food ingredients, decorations, electronics, promotional materials, and spa equipment. A reliable cargo ecosystem will enhance the tourism experience and support international conferences, festivals, and exhibitions.
The reliability of 24/7 air cargo operations will also encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ghana. Investors are drawn to locations with efficient logistics infrastructure that support fast and predictable movement of goods. With Goldstar Air’s logistics backbone, industrial parks, agro-processing zones, technology parks, and free trade areas in Ghana will attract more multinational corporations seeking a regional hub. Logistics readiness is often a deal-breaker for foreign firms considering manufacturing or assembly plants in Africa. Goldstar Air’s cargo capacity enhances Ghana’s standing on global logistics indices and investment attractiveness rankings.
Mr. Bannerman emphasized that the seven principles of microeconomics fundamental concepts such as the laws of demand and supply, marginal thinking, incentives, opportunity cost, trade-offs, and efficiency will form the basis of the airline’s operations. Ghana must shift toward local participation in aviation for sustainable job creation in the sector and ensure the equitable distribution of profits within the country to bolster economic growth. Goldstar Air will rake in more revenue annually by instituting 24-hour cargo services for growth and advancement, which will help reduce unemployment in Ghana. These initiatives will create over two million job opportunities for Ghanaians and support the airline’s Project $1 Trillion Foreign Reserves Initiative.
The 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) report revealed that over two (2) million young people in Ghana, aged 15–35, are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
According to the report released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), females account for the majority, with 1.2 million compared to 715,691 males. Youth with non-skilled labor backgrounds can also take advantage of the airline’s courier services and apply to be part of the collection and delivery team, which can lead to a better life.
Goldstar Air will launch an integrated platform that will empower exporters of Ghanaian goods who are registered with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). The airline will provide free advertising space to all companies that sign onto this platform, through Goldstar Air’s in-flight magazine, integrated platforms, and aircraft screens during takeoff and landing to promote and publicize their products. Additionally, made-in-Ghana products will be sold as duty-free onboard. The exporters should be willing to sign an agreement with the airline to serve as their sole transporter.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, is negotiating with Ghana Post for a partnership aimed at providing innovative and rewarding opportunities for growth. This collaboration will enable the airline to be more competitive and offer better services to customers, resulting in a win-win situation.
Together with Ghana Post, the airline aims to create, build, and take ownership of various initiatives, whether through developing new in-house technology, launching comprehensive fulfillment centers, or consistently innovating ideas, services, and products that enhance the lives of millions. This includes offering pickup and delivery services to about 360 Ghana Post outlets, with stop-by-stop tracking available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Goldstar Air will prioritize Ghana Post cargo to ensure a seamless and efficient experience, allowing businesses to focus on growth and driving year-over-year success.
Goldstar Air’s proposed partnership with Ghana Post aims to emulate the strategy of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the second-largest employer in the United States, with 525,377 career employees and 114,623 non-career employees as of March 29, 2024, to create job opportunities. The USPS reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024, and ended on December 31, 2024. Operating revenue was $22.5 Billion for the first quarter, an increase of $885 Million compared to the same period the previous year.
Goldstar Air will make a significant contribution toward addressing Ghana’s unemployment challenges, as the airline is committed to creating more job opportunities in the courier service sector. All 275 constituencies across the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana will benefit enormously from the courier services.
The mail cargo segment plays a pivotal role in the global postal and parcel delivery network. It guarantees the prompt delivery of letters, documents, and packages to their intended destinations. Air freight handles approximately 328 billion letters and 7.4 billion packages annually, making mail cargo the most significant portion of air shipment loads.
Courier services have existed since the days of homing pigeons and foot messengers. It can be tricky to tell the difference between a courier and the local postal service, because couriers operate similarly to traditional mail. However, Goldstar Air understands the nuances of both and the process of transporting letters and packages from one place to another.
Regular mail is transported and delivered through the public postal service, typically managed by government agencies. These agencies handle the sorting and delivery of packages and letters within their home countries and sometimes internationally. Courier services, on the other hand, are privately owned and operated.
Public postal services ensure that everyday citizens and businesses alike have accessible ways to send letters and packages. Although couriers are privately owned, they can deliver anything the regular mail service can. Courier services also prioritize speed and generally offer quicker delivery times compared to postal services.
Courier services offer more specialized services and quicker delivery times; therefore, prices are typically higher compared to postal services. Postal services, on the other hand, offer more basic shipping and delivery options, so the costs are generally lower.
Shipping perishable goods by air, specific steps and regulations must be followed. This includes verifying whether the cargo is acceptable, properly marked and labeled, and whether it meets prescribed conditions. Shippers and carriers also have responsibilities that must be met.
There is a wide array of perishable goods, each subject to deterioration, some faster than others. Appropriate packaging and handling are crucial to ensure that perishable goods are delivered in good condition. The packaging must preserve the integrity of the goods while facilitating proper handling and storage. It must also meet food safety regulations and food-grade standards while being durable enough to withstand temperature changes and stacking during transit.
Numerous documents are required when shipping perishable goods. The process begins by ensuring the Air Waybill is completed accurately and does not contain unreasonable handling requests. The cargo manifest should be labeled with the appropriate IATA handling codes. These codes, while used internally, help ensure that the perishable goods are handled correctly. Additional documentation may be required, such as including permit numbers on the cargo manifest if mandated by the destination country.
Shippers must clearly mark the contents of each package and indicate whether dry ice is used, as it is classified as a dangerous good. Packages must also be labeled with standard IATA labels, such as “This Way Up” or “Wet Cargo.”
Airport infrastructure authorities in Ghana must plan for the next 30 years, because it is very crucial, particularly regarding the development of cargo facilities and others. Most airports will desire dedicated cargo areas, but a major challenge will be the limited land available at existing airports to accommodate such expansion. Terminals will seek space for capacity expansion, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), engineering, catering services, and more, but land constraints may hinder these developments.
Ho, the capital of Volta Region, 24-hour industrial zone viability will be a key economic generator for the region. Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with charter flights, will unlock new opportunities and enhance regional connectivity.
Wa, the capital of Upper West Region, the Agrarian City will be experiencing charter flights which will support tourism, local business expansion, new opportunities for agribusiness, and attract new companies to the area. Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will further open doors for regional development.
Tamale, the capital of Northern Region, will serve as a pivotal hub for Goldstar Air’s maintenance base, global cargo hub, specialized catering services, and training school. Plans are underway to operate international flights to and from the Sahel region, in addition to Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti Region will initially host flights to Rome, Madrid, Hamburg, London, Düsseldorf, Milan, and Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Accra, the capital city of Ghana will operate flights to various international destinations including Washington, Dubai, Lagos, Toronto, Monrovia, Conakry, Abidjan, Guangzhou, Dakar, Banjul, Rhode Island, London, and Freetown. Additional cities under consideration include Miami (Florida), Atlanta (Georgia), Chicago (Illinois), Glasgow (Scotland), Houston (Texas), and many more.
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Source: Goldstar Air
