As part of efforts to re-establish Ghana’s national airline, transport minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says the government is engaging Boeing and other stakeholders.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, May 20, the minister said a task force set up by the government is currently working with interested international partners toward the revival of a Ghanaian national carrier.
According to him, recent discussions involving Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States and aircraft manufacturer Boeing form part of those efforts.
“This is a topic that is interesting to every Ghanaian. We want to have that pride of having our national flag being flown in the air,” the minister stated.
He explained that the task force has been mandated to engage entities interested in doing business with the Government of Ghana in relation to the proposed national airline project.
Mr. Nikpe revealed that as recently as Monday, the chairman of the task force, together with Ghana’s ambassador to the United States held discussions with Boeing executives on possible areas of collaboration with Ghana.
While declining to provide details of the engagement, he maintained that the discussions form part of ongoing activities aimed at re-establishing a national airline (carrier).
The minister also clarified concerns surrounding the recently launched Air Ghana aircraft, stating that it is not a state-owned airline.
According to him, Air Ghana is a privately owned cargo transport company seeking to operate within the sub-region.
He added that although the company currently focuses on cargo services, there are plans to eventually introduce passenger transport operations.
Mr. Nikpe noted that the government is willing to collaborate with the private company to help strengthen Ghana’s cargo transport services, but stressed that it is not part of any government national airline initiative.
