Ghana’s initiative to establish a national airline is advancing, with the task force responsible for the project approaching the conclusion of its responsibilities, as disclosed by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The envisioned carrier is anticipated to enhance Ghana’s involvement in the aviation sector, strengthen regional air links, and facilitate the transportation of individuals and commodities throughout the African continent.
During the inauguration of Uganda Airlines’ Accra–Entebbe route, Mr Nikpe stated that the government recognizes a national carrier as essential to complement infrastructure investments at airports and enable Ghana to engage more substantially in aviation operations.
He noted that Ghana previously maintained Ghana Airways, which ceased operations several years prior, and emphasized that the government is committed to establishing a successor national airline.
“All of us are cognizant that Ghana previously operated Ghana Airways, which was liquidated years ago. His Excellency the President believes that we cannot maintain modern airports and establish connections between our facilities and other international airports without actively participating in the aviation industry or providing flight services,” he stated.
Mr Nikpe indicated that the task force was nearing completion of its mandate, expressing confidence that Ghana would shortly align with Uganda Airlines in advancing air transport infrastructure across Africa.
“Consequently, in the near future, the task force will finalize its work. Shortly thereafter, we will collaborate with Uganda Airlines to facilitate the movement of our citizens from production centers to commercial markets, from commercial markets to manufacturing facilities, and from employment locations to recreational destinations, thereby enabling Africans to experience unrestricted mobility within our own [continent],” he concluded.
Concurrently, Uganda Airlines is pursuing daily service between Accra and Entebbe, expanding from its existing four weekly flights, as it endeavors to enhance air connectivity between West and East Africa.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Girma Wake, indicated that the present four-times-weekly operation represents merely the initial phase of its strategic objectives within the Ghanaian market.
According to Mr. Wake’s statement, the establishment of Uganda Airlines’ four-weekly service to Accra, Ghana represents merely an initial phase rather than the ultimate objective. He further conveyed gratitude toward the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for its instrumental role in supporting the airline’s operational activities within Ghana, notably through the provision of traffic rights connecting Accra and Lagos.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for furnishing us with comprehensive support and granting us substantial traffic freedom between Accra and Lagos, notwithstanding our current inability to fully utilize these rights. Nevertheless, we remain deeply grateful for your authorization of our operations in Ghana,” Mr. Wake stated.
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, emphasized that this newly established service would broaden travel alternatives while simultaneously fostering tourism development, commercial activity, and collaborative economic initiatives between the two nations.
“In addition to providing passengers with expanded travel alternatives, this new service is anticipated to strengthen connectivity, promote tourism and cultural engagement, facilitate commercial transactions, and reinforce economic collaboration between Ghana and Uganda,” Ms. Opare remarked.
