Ghana’s plan to establish a Ghana national airline is moving closer to the next stage, with the task force overseeing the project almost finished with its work, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has disclosed.
Mr Nikpe said government considers a national carrier necessary if Ghana is to take a more active role in aviation rather than limit its investment to airports and related infrastructure.
He made the remarks at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ Accra Entebbe service on Tuesday, October 27.
“All of us are aware that Ghana used to have Ghana Airways, which got liquidated some years back,” the Minister said.
He added that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration wants the country to participate directly in moving passengers and goods by air.
“His Excellency the President is thinking that we cannot have beautiful airports and connect our airports to other airports without participating in that industry of aviation or flying people.” - Mr Nikpe
Task Force ‘Almost Done’
The Minister did not announce a launch date for the proposed carrier, but said the task force was nearing the end of its assignment.
“And so very soon, the task force is almost done with their work,” he said.
The current process has not yet publicly settled several important details, including the proposed airline’s ownership structure, fleet, routes and the timetable for beginning commercial operations.
Mr Nikpe linked the airline project to wider efforts to improve the movement of people and goods across Africa.
He said stronger air connectivity could help move people between production centres, markets, factories and tourism destinations while making regional travel easier.
Ghana Airways, the country’s former national carrier, ceased operations more than two decades ago. Successive administrations have since explored different proposals for returning Ghana to the market with a national airline.
Uganda Airlines Expands Ghana Links
The comments came as Uganda Airlines formally entered Ghana’s aviation market with scheduled flights linking Entebbe, Lagos and Accra.
The airline began four weekly services to Accra on October 27 and has indicated that it wants to increase the frequency to daily flights as demand grows.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake said the existing schedule was only the beginning of the carrier’s plans for Ghana.
“For Uganda Airlines, coming four times a week to Ghana, to Accra, is not the end game,” he said.
Ghana has also granted Uganda Airlines fifth freedom traffic rights between Lagos and Accra, allowing the carrier to transport passengers and cargo between the two West African cities as part of its wider route.
Trade and Tourism Expected to Benefit
Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the new service would provide travellers with additional options while strengthening economic links between Ghana and Uganda.
“Beyond expanding travel options for passengers, this new service is expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate tourism and cultural exchange, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic cooperation between Ghana and Uganda.” - Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare
The Accra route also adds to growing competition between East and West Africa, with Uganda Airlines joining other East African carriers already serving the Ghanaian market.
For Ghana, the arrival of another African airline comes as government prepares its own return to the sector.
The task force’s recommendations will be crucial in determining what model the proposed Ghana national airline eventually takes and how quickly the plan can move from preparation to actual flights.
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