Presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has committed to launching a new national airline if he wins the December elections.

At the NDC's manifesto launch in Winneba, Central Region, Mahama outlined his plan to create a national carrier and transform Ho Airport into a key aviation training center.

Despite initial promises that Ghana Airlines would start operations in early 2023, the public-private venture has yet to take off.

Ashanti Airlines, selected to lead the initiative, is still working on obtaining the necessary certifications from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

They have not yet introduced their brand or begun ticket sales, and their application for an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) is still pending.

The effort to establish a national airline follows the collapse of Ghana International Airlines in 2010 and the earlier closure of Ghana Airways in 2004.

Previous attempts to set up a new carrier, including partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir, have not succeeded.

A new committee was formed to review proposals after the Ministry of Aviation was merged into the Ministry of Transport.

Mahama's proposal aims to revitalise Ghana's aviation sector and address the long-standing gap left by the disappearance of national airlines.