The revival of Ghana’s national airline has sparked a national conversation, with Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama and a member of the task force established to spearhead the initiative, firmly advocating for its re-establishment. Mogtari contends that a national carrier is crucial for restoring national pride and unlocking Ghana’s economic potential, positioning the country as a competitive player in the global aviation landscape. She emphasizes that a national airline is not merely a symbol of national identity but a strategic economic tool with far-reaching benefits for various sectors.
Ghana’s advantageous geographical location makes it a natural hub for regional aviation. However, the absence of a national carrier has hindered the country’s ability to fully capitalize on the burgeoning regional and international air travel market. Mogtari argues that a national airline would facilitate direct connectivity between Accra and major global destinations, thereby stimulating tourism, promoting business travel, and driving economic diversification. The reduced travel time and costs associated with direct flights would make Ghana a more attractive destination for both Ghanaians and international visitors, enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a regional gateway.
Beyond the immediate benefits to the aviation sector, Mogtari highlights the broader economic ripple effects of a national airline. The creation of jobs, development of specialized skills, and fostering of technological innovation within the airline industry would positively impact allied sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and aircraft maintenance. This interconnected growth would contribute significantly to Ghana’s overall economic development and support the realization of its national development agenda.
Mogtari acknowledges the past challenges and failures experienced by Ghana’s airline industry, emphasizing the importance of learning from these experiences. She advocates for a robust business model underpinned by strong regulatory oversight to ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the new national carrier. This approach, she believes, will prevent a repetition of past mistakes and pave the way for a thriving, homegrown airline that contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.
The task force entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the national airline comprises ten members, chaired by Charles Asare, former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). The team includes aviation experts, legal professionals, and representatives from the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. This diverse expertise is expected to provide a comprehensive approach to the complex task of establishing a sustainable and successful national airline. The inclusion of individuals like Joyce Bawa Mogtari, with her experience as a former Deputy Minister of Transport and her intimate understanding of the aviation sector, further strengthens the task force’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
The revival of Ghana’s national airline is a significant undertaking with the potential to transform the country’s aviation landscape and contribute significantly to its economic growth. The task force, armed with its diverse expertise and guided by a commitment to learn from past experiences, is poised to develop a robust and sustainable model for the new national carrier. The successful implementation of this initiative holds the promise of restoring national pride, boosting economic potential, and positioning Ghana as a key player in the regional and global aviation industry. The emphasis on a sound business model, coupled with strong regulatory oversight, is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability and success of the new national airline, avoiding the pitfalls of previous ventures.
