Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe calls for African solutions to aviation challenges, backs Ghana Airways revival

Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called on African countries to take greater responsibility for addressing the continent’s aviation challenges, urging stronger cooperation among local airlines to improve connectivity and support economic integration.

Speaking at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct flights between Entebbe and Accra, Mr Nikpe said improved air links between African countries were essential to facilitating the movement of people, goods and services and unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

He argued that African countries must take the lead in developing solutions to their transportation challenges rather than relying on external partners.

“It is not anybody from Asia or Europe or the Americas that will come and solve our problems for us. It is the African that will solve African problems because they affect us directly,” he said.

Mr Nikpe’s remarks come as Uganda Airlines expands its network with the introduction of direct flights between Uganda and Ghana, a development expected to strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The new route provides another connection between East and West Africa, with the potential to facilitate trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.

Ghana Airways revival

The Transport Minister also disclosed that efforts to revive Ghana Airways, the country’s former national carrier, were progressing, with a task force established by President John Dramani Mahama nearing the completion of its work.

“Very soon, the task force is almost done with their work, and very soon we will join the Uganda Airlines,” he said.

His remarks signal the government’s ambition to re-establish Ghana’s presence in the aviation industry and potentially expand the country’s role in connecting African markets.

A revived national airline could provide opportunities to improve international connectivity and support tourism and trade, although its prospects would depend on the proposed business model, financing, fleet arrangements, route strategy and ability to operate sustainably.

The minister did not provide a specific date for the proposed revival in the statement.

Calls for affordable air travel

Mr Nikpe also urged airlines to make air travel more affordable for Africans, warning that high ticket prices could prevent ordinary citizens and businesses from fully benefiting from improved connectivity.

He said the availability of routes and airport infrastructure would not be enough to promote integration if the cost of flying remained beyond the reach of many travellers.

According to him, stronger partnerships between African airlines, efficient airports and affordable fares were necessary to reduce travel difficulties and facilitate the movement of people and goods across the continent.

High airfares can increase the cost of business travel, limit tourism demand and make it more difficult for smaller businesses to establish commercial relationships across borders.

For traders and investors, more accessible air transport could make it easier to identify markets, meet business partners and pursue opportunities in other African countries.

However, achieving lower fares would require airlines to balance affordability with operating costs, including fuel, aircraft maintenance, airport charges and other expenses.

Regional cooperation key to integration

The launch of Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe–Accra service highlights the potential for African carriers to strengthen connections between markets that have traditionally been difficult to access directly.

The route is expected to reduce travel time between Ghana and Uganda and provide passengers with an alternative to connecting through intermediate airports.

Improved air connectivity could also support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area by making it easier for businesspeople to travel, establish partnerships and explore commercial opportunities across the continent.

For Ghana, the proposed revival of its national airline could form part of broader efforts to strengthen its aviation sector and improve links with other African economies.

Mr Nikpe’s call for African-led solutions places emphasis on cooperation between governments, airlines and aviation authorities in addressing the challenges that continue to constrain regional connectivity.

The long-term benefits, however, will depend on whether these efforts translate into commercially sustainable airlines, competitive fares and reliable services that meet the needs of passengers and businesses.

As Uganda Airlines establishes its new connection to Accra, the minister’s remarks have renewed attention on the need for African countries to develop aviation systems that are accessible, efficient and capable of supporting the continent’s economic ambitions.