Ghana’s Bold Bid to Reclaim the Skies: A New National Airline Takes Shape

By Garth Calitz

Ghana is moving decisively to re-establish a national airline, marking a strategic push to revitalise its aviation sector and strengthen its position as a key regional hub in West Africa. After more than two decades without a state-backed carrier, the government has set a clear goal of launching a new national airline within the next year, with plans to celebrate “a Ghanaian airline flying to the rest of the world” by early 2027.

The announcement comes amid a wave of transformation across Ghana’s aviation landscape, highlighted by the recent inauguration of new international routes into Kotoka International Airport in Accra and an intensified focus on expanding infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and regional connectivity.

At the heart of the initiative is a 10-member National Airline Taskforce, established by the Ministry of Transport in May 2025 to oversee the carrier’s formation, covering business planning and regulatory compliance, as well as fleet strategy and route development. Chaired by Charles Asare, former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the task force includes aviation professionals, seasoned regulators, and industry experts. Its mandate is to develop a sustainable business model that can withstand the competitive pressures of global aviation while delivering economic and social benefits for Ghana.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has been unequivocal in his vision, affirming that all outstanding regulatory processes will be completed within the next 12 months and that Ghana will soon witness its own airline connecting passengers across Africa and beyond. While specific details on ownership structure, strategic partners and the initial fleet have not yet been disclosed, the government’s approach emphasises transparency, professional expertise and long-term viability.

Ghana’s dream of a flag-carrying airline is not new. The original state carrier, Ghana Airways, operated from 1958 until it ceased services in 2004 after financial struggles and management challenges. Its successor, Ghana International Airlines, launched in 2005 but also folded by 2010 amid operational difficulties and market pressures.

Over the years, several attempts to revive a national airline have faltered, often due to regulatory delays, funding shortfalls, or failed partnerships. One such project championed by a local group, Ashanti Airlines, stalled when it failed to secure critical regulatory approvals and aircraft on time.

The current administration under President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to take a different path, one that learns from past failures and attracts competent international partners through a transparent expression-of-interest process. This commitment was underscored in a parliamentary address where the president vowed to “get it right this time,” acknowledging lessons learned from previous attempts.

Tourism officials and industry analysts have noted that improved air services can make Ghana more accessible to visitors drawn by the country’s historical landmarks, cultural heritage and ecotourism attractions, from the Cape Coast forts to bustling Accra markets and unique natural sites. A national carrier could help reduce reliance on foreign airlines for key international connections while giving Ghana greater control over flight schedules, route planning, and pricing strategies.

For businesses, enhanced connectivity reduces travel time and cost for clients and partners, supporting opportunities for trade, investment, and regional economic integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Strengthening the country’s aviation network could also spur growth in ancillary sectors, including hotel services, logistics, and hospitality.

As Ghana prepares for the potential take-off of its national airline in 2027, the development represents more than just an economic milestone; it reflects a renewed national ambition to connect Ghana to the world with its own wings, symbolising resilience, progress and the enduring spirit of pan-African connectivity.