President John Mahama has announced his administration’s renewed commitment to re-establishing Ghana’s national airline, following what he described as a failed attempt by the previous administration.

Speaking during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025, Mahama outlined his plan to open a fresh and transparent process to invite competent partners to collaborate with the government in launching a viable national carrier.

“The last attempt by the previous administration to re-establish a national airline has failed,” Mahama stated. “We will reopen a transparent expression of interest to invite competent, established partners to work with us to establish a national airline.”

Ghana has struggled to maintain a national carrier since the collapse of Ghana Airways in 2004 and the eventual failure of its successor, Ghana International Airlines, in 2010.

Several efforts to revive a state-owned airline have faced challenges, including funding constraints, mismanagement, and the dominance of foreign carriers on key routes.

Mahama believes that a well-structured, efficiently managed national airline will increase competition and drive down airfares, especially on routes where foreign carriers currently dominate.

“We believe that an efficient national carrier can help reduce fares on routes where external carriers are currently enjoying a monopoly,” he emphasized.

The President did not provide a specific timeline for the airline’s launch but assured the public that the process would be thorough and transparent, ensuring that only credible investors and experienced aviation partners would be involved.

Ho Airport to Become Aviation Hub

Beyond the national airline, Mahama revealed that his administration is prioritizing the development of the Ho Airport into a center of excellence for aviation training and aircraft maintenance.

“In our ongoing efforts to revitalise the Ho Airport, the government will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art pilot training academy and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility,” he announced.

This move is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and boost tourism in the Volta Region.

Aviation to Drive Economic Growth

Mahama’s broader transport agenda includes a multi-modal system integrating road, rail, and water transport.

He stressed that aviation would play a key role in this transformation, providing efficient domestic and international connectivity.

With the Tema-Mpakadan rail line now completed, plans are underway to launch passenger services between Tema and Adome, as well as to develop freight transport infrastructure on Volta Lake.

Meanwhile, the government is pushing for greater private sector involvement in the modernization of the Western Railway Line, which will boost bulk cargo and passenger transport in the corridor.