By Kodjo Adams
Accra, May 8, GNA –Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, Wednesday inaugurated a 10-member task force to establish a National Airline.
The task force will finalise the business model, oversee regulatory compliance, and coordinate engagements with strategic and technical partners.
Speaking at the inauguration in Accra, Mr Nikpe said the team would facilitate operational arrangements, including staffing, fleet acquisition, and route planning.
It will provide periodic reports and recommendations to the Office of the President through the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Nikpe said President Mahama had pledged before the 2024 election to re-establish a national carrier to fly Ghana’s flag.
He said the task force was charged with ensuring that the promise President Mahama made to Ghanaians was fulfilled.
“It is our belief that the task force will do diligent work and ensure that the pledge the President made to the people of Ghana comes to pass,” he said.
Mr. Nikpe stressed the importance of tapping into aviation industry potential.
Ghana Airways collapsed in the early 2000s, and previous attempts to re-establish a home-based airline failed.
Mr Nikpe said the airline would support Ghana’s goal of becoming West Africa’s aviation hub and boosting socio-economic development.
Potential benefits include enhancing Ghana’s brand as Africa’s gateway, growing tourism, and supporting economic progress from lower to higher middle-income status.
The minister said the ministry aimed to establish Ghana as a transportation hub within the sub-region.
He said the hub concept required strategic positioning through a home-based carrier and expressed hope that the airline would enhance travel opportunities and foster competition on key routes.
Mr. Charles Asare, Chairman of the task force, acknowledged the team’s expertise and pledged to fulfil its mandate.
He described the national airline as a national dream and assured that the task force would work to meet its terms of reference for the country’s benefit.
Members include Vice Chairman Twumasi-A. Selby and Secretary Eric Tetteh-Addison.
Other members are Yvonne Opare, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Benjamin Ahlijah, Patricia Bonsu, Rev. Stephen Arthur, and Daniel Acquah.
GNA
KAS