In a significant development for Ghana’s aviation sector, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has announced that the country’s long-awaited national airline is expected to commence operations within the next twelve months. This announcement comes as the government works diligently to finalize all necessary documentation and regulatory approvals.
For years, the dream of a national carrier has faced numerous obstacles. Ghana Airways ceased operations in 2004, followed by Ghana International Airlines, which closed its doors in 2010. Various attempts to revive a national airline since then have largely been unsuccessful. However, Minister Nikpe expressed optimism that the current administration, under President Mahama, is making progress.
Speaking to reporters during the inaugural flight of Air Tanzania at Kotoka International Airport on January 29, 2026, Nikpe stated, “We have established a task force dedicated to this mission. I am confident that within the next year, we will witness a Ghanaian airline taking to the skies, connecting us to the world.”
While specific details regarding the ownership structure and fleet of the new airline have yet to be disclosed, the minister assured that advancements are being made. The government formed a 10-member National Airline Task Force in May 2025 to spearhead this initiative. The task force, chaired by Charles Asare, former Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, comprises aviation experts and former regulators.
This task force is tasked with crafting a sustainable business model, establishing partnerships, securing regulatory approvals, and addressing essential operational considerations, such as staffing and route planning.
As Ghana prepares to re-enter the aviation arena with its national airline, stakeholders and citizens alike are hopeful that this venture will succeed where previous attempts have faltered.
