Government to Hold Minority Stake in Proposed National Airline – Transport Minister

Accra, Ghana – The Government of Ghana will hold a minority stake in the proposed new national airline, as part of efforts to ensure efficiency and private-sector-driven management of the venture.

The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, disclosed this arrangement during his appearance before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, where he outlined the government’s approach to re-establishing a national carrier.

According to the Minister, the decision is intended to avoid the operational challenges that affected previous state-owned airlines and to ensure that the new airline benefits from professional management and efficiency.

Private Sector–Led Structure

Mr. Nikpe explained that the proposed airline will be largely driven by the private sector, with the government maintaining only a limited ownership role.

He emphasised that the objective is to create a commercially viable airline that operates independently, without excessive state control.

The new structure is also expected to enhance service delivery and minimise inefficiencies, drawing lessons from the collapse of previous national carriers, including Ghana Airways.

Partnership and Development Efforts

As part of efforts to establish the airline, the government has engaged a national airline task force and is in discussions with potential strategic partners, including global aviation stakeholders.

The Minister indicated that these engagements are aimed at securing the technical expertise and investment required to develop a sustainable and competitive national carrier.

Clarification on Air Ghana

The Minister clarified that the proposed national airline is distinct from Air Ghana, which operates as a privately owned cargo airline.

He noted that while the government supports the growth of private aviation services such as Air Ghana, the new national airline initiative will follow a separate structure and ownership model.

Outlook

The proposed minority stake arrangement underscores government’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships in the aviation sector, with the aim of establishing a sustainable national airline that meets international standards and supports Ghana’s broader economic and transport objectives.