MPs urge GIA to adopt Ghanaian culture

Accra, Nov. 22, GNA - Alhaji Mubarak Muntaka, NDC-Asawase, on Tuesday appealed to the operators of the Ghana International Airline (GIA) to be truly Ghanaian in their mode of operation and service.

He said once the airline was operating under the colours of the country, it should be able to incorporate the Ghanaian culture in their mode of dressing, food and drinks to promote the rich culture of the country.

The MP was making a statement in Parliament on the services of the GIA.

Alhaji Muntaka said although flying with the GIA was quite comfortable coupled with the fact that the airhostesses were respectful, it was disturbing that "services on the flight are no where near Ghanaian. The food; drinks; chips; water and almost every item served on this flight are foreign".

"Mr Speaker, while on board from Accra to London and back, three movies were shown on each occasion regrettably none was Ghanaian nor African."

"Mr Speaker, of the over 10 radio stations one could tune in to, all were American stations, when radio stations like Joy, Adom, Choice etc. could be tuned via the internet.

"How Ghanaian is the Ghana International Airline? If all what matters to us is to see the Ghana flag on an aircraft and nothing else, then I am sorry for this country."

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, NDC-Tamale South, who contributed to the statement, said it was necessary to domesticate the airline. He also urged the Government to come out with a statement on the share-holding component of Ghana in the airline so as to let Ghanaians know the true state of affairs.

The MP also said the Government should come clean on the exact amount that was coming in from the sale of Ghana Airways properties. Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Majority Chief Whip, said even if the majority shareholders of GIA were outsiders, it was necessary that the airline identified with the culture of Ghana.