Omanghana
Ghana’s plans to establish a new national airline could materialize within 18 months, according to Boeing, provided the government completes the necessary institutional and operational preparations.
The aerospace company offered the assessment during talks with President John Dramani Mahama in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Boeing indicated its readiness to support the project, with progress dependent on Ghana putting the required implementation arrangements in place.
The discussions explored a wider partnership to develop Ghana’s aviation industry, including aircraft maintenance, technical training and technology transfer.
President Mahama said the government wants cooperation with Boeing to help create skilled employment and strengthen Ghana’s position as an aviation and logistics center for West Africa.
“Ghana does not want its relationship with Boeing to be defined simply by the purchase of aircraft,” he said.
Among the proposals is a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hub that would service airlines operating across West Africa and potentially other parts of the continent. Training programs would also help Ghanaian engineers and aviation professionals develop the expertise needed to support the industry.
The proposed collaboration forms part of the government’s Reset Ghana agenda, which seeks to attract investment, expand local technical capacity and generate sustainable employment.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, and his team initiated earlier engagements with Boeing, including a visit to the company to discuss possible areas of cooperation.
The renewed push follows the liquidation of Ghana Airways in 2005 and the subsequent collapse of Ghana International Airlines.
Although the discussions offer a possible timeframe for a new carrier, the 18-month projection remains conditional. Its achievement will depend on the government completing the groundwork required to establish and sustain operations.
Source: Omanghana
