Accra: Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, inaugurated a 10-member task force to establish a National Airline. The task force is set to finalize the business model, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate engagements with strategic and technical partners.

According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration event in Accra saw Mr. Nikpe emphasize the task force’s role in facilitating operational arrangements such as staffing, fleet acquisition, and route planning. The team is tasked with providing periodic reports and recommendations to the Office of the President via the Ministry of Transport.

Mr. Nikpe highlighted President Mahama’s commitment to re-establishing a national carrier as pledged before the 2024 election. He asserted that the task force is responsible for fulfilling this promise to the Ghanaian people, expressing confidence in the team’s diligence and capability.

The collapse of Ghana Airways in the early 2000s, coupled with unsuccessful attempts to re-establish a home-based airline, underscores the importance of this initiative. Mr. Nikpe stated that the new airline would support Ghana’s ambition to become West Africa’s aviation hub, promoting socio-economic development.

Potential advantages include enhancing Ghana’s reputation as Africa’s gateway, boosting tourism, and advancing the nation’s economic status from lower to higher middle-income. The minister emphasized the goal of establishing Ghana as a transportation hub, requiring strategic positioning through a home-based carrier.

Mr. Charles Asare, Chairman of the task force, expressed confidence in the team’s expertise and commitment to fulfilling its mandate. He described the national airline as a national dream and assured that the task force would work diligently for the country’s benefit.

The task force includes Vice Chairman Twumasi-A. Selby, Secretary Eric Tetteh-Addison, and members Yvonne Opare, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Benjamin Ahlijah, Patricia Bonsu, Rev. Stephen Arthur, and Daniel Acquah.