The government has earmarked GH¢69 million for preparatory work towards establishing a national airline, signalling a financial commitment to President John Dramani Mahama’s plan to revive Ghana’s defunct national carrier.
The allocation was announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during his presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 12.
The amount forms part of the GH¢724 million allocated to the Ministry of Transport to support the government’s four-year New Economy agenda, which begins in 2027.
The funding is expected to support preliminary activities towards establishing the airline, which President Mahama has identified as one of his administration’s key objectives.
The planned revival follows the President’s earlier pledge to restore Ghana’s presence in the aviation industry through the return of the once-famous Ghana Airways, which ceased operations in the early 2000s.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has subsequently indicated that the government is targeting 2027 for the airline’s return to the skies.
According to him, President Mahama has established a technical committee to develop proposals for the project, and the committee has submitted its report.
Mr Ablakwa also disclosed that the President had held discussions with Boeing management as part of efforts to advance the plan.
He said the government was considering a direct route between Ghana and Canada as the airline’s first international service.
The GH¢69 million allocation provides a budgetary foundation for the preparatory phase of the project, although the government is yet to outline the full financing arrangements, fleet acquisition plans and operational structure of the proposed carrier.
The revival of a national airline is expected to restore Ghana’s participation in international air transport, but its success will depend on the government’s ability to establish a commercially sustainable operation.
