President John Dramani Mahama will meet the taskforce set up to work towards the re-establishment of Ghana’s national airline, with a concrete roadmap presentation expected that will chart the course for the country’s flag to fly again across Africa and in the global aviation space this week.
The President made the disclosure on Monday during the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a connecting concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at the Accra International Airport, framing the national airline’s return as an integral part of Ghana’s broader ambition to become the most preferred aviation hub in West Africa.
“I am looking forward to receiving their presentation outlining the concrete roadmap for Ghana’s flag to fly proudly across Africa and in the global aviation space once again,” President Mahama noted.
He said a new national airline would not only create jobs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other aviation professionals but would also accelerate Ghana’s drive to cement its position as the region’s leading aviation hub at a time when competition in the West African aviation sector was intensifying.
The national airline announcement came on a day packed with aviation sector developments.
The President cut the sod for the concourse project, which is designed to deliver five air bridges, modern waiting areas, VIP lounges, retail facilities and seamless airside connectivity between the two terminals.
The project also includes the extension of Gate C1 at Terminal 3, conceived as a fully integrated continuation of the existing terminal structure.
President Mahama also announced that Ghana was in the process of launching a new e-visa system that would allow travellers to apply for and receive Ghanaian visas entirely online, without needing to visit a Ghanaian embassy in person.
“You go online, you submit all your documents and the visa will be issued directly to you,” he explained.
The move, according to the President is a step that would make Ghana more accessible to international visitors and investors.
On airport security, the President said new 3D scanners were being installed at both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which would make aviation security safer and remove the need for passengers to take out laptops and tablets from hand luggage or remove their shoes and belts at security checkpoints.
The President also commended a private Ghanaian citizen who was remodelling and refurbishing the airport’s VVIP lounge at his own expense, at a cost of nearly $2 million, with no charge to the government. “When he is finished, we will give him a lifetime membership to that lounge. He can use it until death do us part,” President Mahama said.
The President said all the investments, from the new concourse to the national airline, formed part of a coherent and deliberate strategy.
“Competition in the West African aviation sector is intensifying. If Ghana is to claim and maintain its position as the preferred hub, we must invest deliberately, plan strategically and execute efficiently,” he emphasized.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
