Joyce Bawa Mogtari backs revival of Ghana's national airline

Joyce Bawa Mogtari, the Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, has supported Ghana's efforts to reestablish a national airline, describing it as "an essential step toward restoring national pride and boosting our economic potential."

In a social media post on Wednesday, she addressed the ongoing national debate about whether Ghana needs a national carrier.

"In my view, the answer is a resounding yes," she declared.

Her comments come as President John Dramani Mahama follows through on his 2024 campaign promise by inaugurating a 10-member Task Force to implement the initiative.

Madam Mogtari who is a former deputy Transport Minister and a member of the taskforce to establish a National Airline explained that Ghana's strategic geographic location positions it naturally as a hub for regional aviation.

"However, the absence of a reliable national airline has constrained our ability to fully capitalize on growing regional and global air traffic," she noted.

According to her, establishing a national carrier would enhance direct connectivity between Accra and major global destinations while supporting tourism, business travel, and economic diversification.

"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," she wrote.

She pointed to broader economic impacts beyond the aviation sector itself.

"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."

Madam Mogtari acknowledged past failures in Ghana's airline industry while expressing confidence in a new approach.

"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 l, the Ghana we want!"

Since the liquidation of Ghana's previous national carrier, successive governments have made numerous attempts to revive the country's airline industry without lasting success.

The ten-member task force is chaired by former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Mr Charles Asare.

Other members include Mr. Hugh Tamakloe, Mr. Benjamin Ahlijah, and Madam Patricia Bonsu, as well as the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Rev. 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.