Ghana’s deal with Ethiopian airlines underway to establish a national carrier

Ghana is close to sealing a deal with Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, to launch a national carrier.

The Star Alliance member is due to send several Dash 8-400s aircraft to Accra later in 2019 to kick off the yet-to-be named airline in the West African country.

The new Ghana carrier will start off with domestic routes before spreading its wings to the rest of the world.

In December 2018, Ghana signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian Airlines to set up an airline that will fly the Ghana flag in the aviation space this year.

The Government of Ghana will have a 10 per cent stake in the airline, while the Ghanaian business community could own more than 40 per cent shares, with the Ethiopian Airlines — which is expected to provide technical expertise — owning less than 50 per cent shares.

Ghana has been without a national airline since the collapse of Ghana International Airways in 2010.

With over 30 million people, Ghana is Africa’s 10th biggest country. It has a stable democratic government, a burgeoning economy and abundant resources, making the country a bright spot on the African continent.

There has been significant new infrastructure at Ghana’s airports recently including the new terminal 3 at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport, a new terminal at Kumasi, and expansion and reconstruction at Tamale, Wa and Ho airports.