Ghana’s plan to launch a new national airline has reached an advanced stage, with the task force responsible for the project “almost done” with its wo
Ghana’s plan to launch a new national airline has reached an advanced stage, with the task force responsible for the project “almost done” with its work, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said.
The proposed airline is intended to build Ghana’s role in the aviation industry, improve regional links and make it easier to transport people and goods across Africa.
Speaking at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ Accra–Entebbe service, Mr Nikpe said a national carrier would complement Ghana’s investment in airport infrastructure and allow the country to play a more active part in aviation.
He referred to the former Ghana Airways, which was liquidated several years ago, and said the government was now working towards establishing a new national airline.
“All of us are aware that Ghana used to have Ghana Airways, which got liquidated some years back. His Excellency the President is thinking that we cannot have beautiful airports and connect our airports to other airports without participating in that industry of aviation or flying people,” he said.
Mr Nikpe said the task force was close to completing its responsibilities and expressed hope that Ghana would soon work alongside Uganda Airlines to improve air transport connections across the continent.
“And so very soon, the task force is almost done with their work. And very soon, we will join 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, so that Africans will have that kind of free movement within our own [continent],” he added.
Uganda Airlines seeks daily Accra service
Uganda Airlines currently operates four flights a week between Accra and Entebbe but is aiming to increase the frequency to daily services.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Girma Wake, said the existing schedule represented only the start of its plans for the Ghanaian market.
“For Uganda Airlines, coming four times a week to Ghana, to Accra, is not the end game,” he said.
Mr Wake also thanked the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for helping the airline establish its operations in Ghana. In particular, he highlighted the allocation of traffic rights for flights between Accra and Lagos.
“We first of all thank the Ghana Civil Aviation for offering us all the support that we required, for giving us huge freedom traffic between Accra and Lagos, even though at the moment we will not be able to use it. But we are very grateful that you blessed our operation to Ghana,” he noted.
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, said the new Uganda Airlines route would give passengers more travel choices.
She added that the service was expected to support tourism and cultural exchange, promote trade and deepen economic cooperation between Ghana and Uganda.
“Beyond expanding travel options for passengers, this new service is expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate tourism and cultural exchange, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic cooperation between Ghana and Uganda,” she said.
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