Ghana Airways revival to boost aviation sector, African connectivity – Transport Minister

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has said the planned revival of Ghana Airways will complement the country’s growing aviation sector and strengthen air connectivity across Africa.

His comments come after the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recently disclosed that the government was targeting 2027 for the return of Ghana Airways.

Speaking to some Ghanaian community in Canada, Okudzeto Ablakwa said a technical committee established to examine the proposed revival had submitted its report, with discussions also held with aircraft manufacturer Boeing as part of efforts to advance the plan.

Speaking on the development, the Transport Minister said the return of the former national carrier would help Ghana participate more actively in the aviation industry while connecting businesses, tourism destinations and trade centres across the continent.

Mr. Nikpe made the remarks at the inaugural flight landing ceremony of Uganda Airlines in Accra on Tuesday, October 27, where he welcomed the airline’s entry into the Ghanaian market.

“Very soon, the task force is almost done with their work, and very soon we will join the Uganda Airlines to be able to move our people from producing centres to the marketplaces, from the marketplaces to the factories, and from workplaces to other tourism sites,” he said.

The minister explained that the government’s efforts to develop Ghana’s aviation infrastructure would yield greater benefits if the country also had a national airline to support passenger movement and economic activity.

He said President John Dramani Mahama is committed to positioning Accra as a preferred aviation gateway for West Africa, adding that the government was investing in airport infrastructure and domestic air travel.

Mr Nikpe disclosed that three domestic airports are being developed in Sunyani, Wa and Yendi to encourage air travel within the country.

He also called on airlines operating across Africa to consider making air travel more affordable, arguing that high ticket prices and lengthy transit times continue to hinder movement between African countries.

Ghana Airways ceased operations in July 2004 following years of financial difficulties and mounting debt.