John Dramani Mahama pledges to revive national airline by 2029

President John Dramani Mahama has stated his commitment to reviving Ghana’s national airline before the conclusion of his current term in 2029. Speaking at the Russian University of Transport, where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate, the President expressed optimism that the country is finally positioned to restore its presence in the international aviation sector. He noted that the return of a national carrier is a priority for his administration as it seeks to leverage ongoing investments in the country's transport infrastructure.

During his address, President Mahama linked the necessity of a national airline to the significant capital projects currently underway across Ghana. He highlighted extensive work on airport expansions, port developments, and the reconstruction of road and railway networks as the foundation for a modern transport hub. According to the President, these substantial investments require the support of a dedicated national carrier to be fully effective and to maximize their contribution to the nation's economic development.

The President also emphasized the importance of human capital in sustaining these infrastructure projects. He called for a closer partnership between Ghanaian and Russian educational institutions, specifically focusing on skills transfer in transport engineering and logistics. By strengthening these academic ties, Mahama aims to ensure that the personnel required to manage and maintain the country’s burgeoning transport systems, including the revived airline, are trained to global standards.

The move to establish a new national airline follows several years of efforts to find a suitable partner and business model following the collapse of previous national carriers. President Mahama’s timeline suggests a focused strategy to resolve these logistical and financial hurdles within the next three years. If successful, the revival of the carrier would mark a significant milestone in Ghana's transport policy, intended to boost tourism and trade while reclaiming its status as a regional aviation leader.