Ghana plans to revive its national airline in partnership with the UAE
Ghana is actively exploring the re-establishment of a national airline with technical assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following high-level diplomatic discussions in Abu Dhabi.
Ghana is pursuing the revival of a national airline with assistance from the UAE, revealed during diplomatic discussions in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative aligns with President Mahama's development priorities and includes employment opportunities in the UAE.
The discussions have paved the way for increased investment opportunities in Ghana from UAE-based companies.
The revelation was made by Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The announcement came on the heels of a two-day official visit to the UAE, undertaken at the invitation of the Emirati government.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the bilateral talks included an agreement on UAE support for Ghana's plans to launch a new national carrier. He emphasised that this initiative forms part of the current government's development priorities under President John Dramani Mahama.
'We also discussed two priority areas of President Mahama's government — labour export opportunities for Ghanaian youth in the UAE and technical assistance for establishing a new national airline,' Mr Ablakwa stated.
Engagements with key UAE officials
The Ghanaian delegation met with several senior officials, including His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; and Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs. Ministers responsible for foreign trade and investment were also present during the talks.
Mr Ablakwa confirmed that Ghana and the UAE had agreed to commence formal political consultations — a significant milestone marking the first such engagement between the two nations.
Ghana has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to revive its national airline since the collapse of Ghana Airways in 2004 and the later demise of Ghana International Airlines in 2010. While numerous proposals have been tabled over the years — involving both public and private entities — none have materialised.
However, the Mahama-led government has renewed its commitment to restoring a national carrier. On 8 May 2025, the government inaugurated a 10-member National Airline Task Force to oversee the revival process.
Mandate of the National Airline task force
The newly established task force has been tasked with developing a robust business model, coordinating with international technical and strategic partners, and securing regulatory approvals. Additionally, it will supervise operational areas such as human resource planning, aircraft procurement, and route development.
The task force is chaired by Charles Asare, a former Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited. Other members include experienced aviation professionals, ex-officials of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and Joyce Bawa Mogtari, who serves as a presidential advisor.
Mr Ablakwa also reported that the diplomatic engagements had opened the door to fresh investment opportunities from UAE-based companies. Key sectors identified for collaboration include renewable energy, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, aviation, and defence.
He noted that these opportunities are aligned with President Mahama's renewed vision for Ghana's economic transformation, stating that the president is 'sending a clear message to the global investment community that Ghana is open for business again.'
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