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, President 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. I believe 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, we can build a sustainable, homegrown airline that contributes meaningfully to our 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.
Task Force to establish new national airline:
In May 2025, Ghana’s Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, inaugurated a 10-member task force to oversee the establishment of a new national airline. This initiative aims to develop a sustainable business model, coordinate with strategic partners, and ensure regulatory compliance, marking a significant step toward reviving the country’s aviation sector.
The task force is chaired by Mr Charles Asare, former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, with aviation expert Mr Twumasi-A. Selby serving as Vice Chairman.
Other members include Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited; Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Presidential Adviser and former Deputy Minister for Transport; Mr Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Mr Benjamin Ahlijah, and Madam Patricia Bonsu — all seasoned aviation experts.
Rev Stephen Arthur, the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and Mr Daniel Acquah, former Deputy Director-General (Technical) of the same authority, are also part of the team.
Mr Eric Tetteh-Addison, representing the Ministry of Transport, serves as the secretary to the task force.
The task force is charged with finalising the operational framework for the proposed airline, engaging with potential partners, and facilitating initial operations, including staffing, fleet acquisition, and route planning.
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About the Author:
Joyce Bawa Mogtari is a Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama. A lawyer by profession, she has previously served as Deputy Minister for Transport. Mrs Mogtari is also recognised for her work as a maritime and gender advocate, as well as her contributions to development entrepreneurship. She is also a member of the task force established to oversee the creation of Ghana’s new national airline.
First published on GBCghanaonline.com
