The Minister for Transport, Joseph M. Bukari Nikpe, says the government is getting closer to establishing a national airline following the submission of a business model and operational framework by a task force set up to coordinate the project.

Appearing before Parliament on Thursday (October 30), the minister said the task force, which was inaugurated on May 7, has made “significant progress” and that the government will soon begin engaging potential private partners to advance the process.

“Mr. Speaker, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restart a transparent process for the establishment of a national airline during the State of the Nation Address,” Mr. Nikpe narrated.

“I am pleased to inform this August House that the task force has made significant progress. A business model and operational framework to guide government engagement with potential strategic partners for the establishment of the national airline has been submitted to the Office of the President.”

He emphasised that the establishment of a national airline is a matter of strategic national importance, aimed at boosting tourism, creating jobs, and positioning Ghana as a key aviation hub in West Africa.

“It is more than just restoring an airline,” he noted. “It is about establishing Ghana as a vital aviation hub in the sub-region, promoting tourism, creating jobs, and opening up new avenues for economic progress. The Ministry of Transport remains fully committed to ensuring that the process is undertaken with professionalism, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.”

Mr Nikpe also assured the House that the government has learnt from past experiences, particularly the collapse of Ghana Airways, and is determined not to repeat the same mistakes.

“After the collapse of Ghana Airways, we have attempted so many times and failed. We are guided by those experiences, and for that matter, we are taking the processes as seriously as they come,” he said.

He further explained that before any formal announcement on timelines, the ministry will meet with all private sector partners who have expressed interest to assess their capacity and efficiency.

“We cannot jump now when we have not met with them, we have not seen their capacities or how they can be efficient in delivering to the timelines that will be given to us and fix a timeframe,” he added.

The Minister assured Parliament that regular updates would be provided as the process progresses.

“We will update you at all the stages we reach in terms of when and exactly how we are going to roll out the national air carrier,” he concluded.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to revive Ghana’s aviation industry, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen the country’s role in global air transport.