A ten-member task force has been inaugurated to spearhead the establishment of Ghana’s new national airline, with a primary mandate to craft a sustainable operational framework for its successful takeoff and long-term viability.

Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who launched the task force, tasked the members with designing a strategy that leverages Ghana’s existing aviation infrastructure to position the airline as a competitive force in the sub-region.

The initiative, he said, carries national significance and is expected to become a source of pride for Ghanaians.

“The president on behalf of the people has entrusted them with the establishment of the national airline. It is going to be our pride and our hope. It will take advantage of the already existing facilities so we can compete,” the Minister said.

Mr. Nikpe, who also represents the Saboba Constituency in Parliament, expressed strong confidence in the task force’s ability to deliver a practical model that would position the airline to thrive despite a challenging aviation landscape.

“Already there are some players in the aviation sector and we are going to compete with them. I believe in the task force; I believe the model they will present will be good enough to compete in the aviation industry,” he added.

He also addressed doubts about the viability of a national carrier, pointing to Ghana’s aviation legacy and the lessons learned from the collapse of Ghana Airways.

“If it comes to airlines, you are aware that Ghana Airways was one of the first to fly in the sub-region. We have our own standards; it collapsed and we are working to bring it back,” he said.

Determined to avoid past pitfalls, the Minister stressed that a new approach will guide the airline’s development, ensuring it operates with sound business principles from the outset.

“We are prepared to do things differently; we want to engage in this enterprise and engage in it very well with all the business sense that will guide us in establishing a functional national airline,” he assured.

Composition of the Task Force

Mr. Charles Asare – Chairman (Former Managing Director, Ghana Airports Company Limited)

Mr. Twumasi Ankra Selby – Vice Chairman (Aviation Industry Expert)

Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare – Managing Director, Ghana Airports Company Limited

Mr. Hugh Tamakloe – Aviation Industry Expert

Mr. Benjamin Ahlijah – Aviation Industry Expert

Rev. Stephen Arthur – Director-General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

Madam Patricia Bonsu – Aviation Industry Expert

Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari – Former Deputy Minister for Transport and Lawyer

Mr. Daniel Acquah – Former Deputy Director-General (Technical), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

One representative from the Ministry of Transport