Debate On Need For National Airlines Rages On

The need to have a new national airline after the demise of Ghana Airways has once again arisen as Ghana marks 60 years of nation wood. 

With the new Akufo-Addo administration taking roots, many are calling for the nation to take steps to get the nation one. 

The decoupling of the aviation sector from the Ministry of Transport is seen as a step likely to bring that dream into fruition. 

Aviation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, told the Appointments Committee of Parliament that: “I have sighted a document that can aid us have our own airline. I have spoken with the Transport Ministry, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), as well as the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority." 

"Feasibility studies have been done by the previous government. It was done by PricewaterhouseCoopers and I believe we will have a study of the findings and add up what we have received so far and take it from there." She said.

The success or otherwise of the new enterprise will depend on factors such as ownership structure, funding, business model and management, among others. 

Another factor is the attitude of Ghanaians, especially workers towards its management with the reasons causing the demise of Ghana Airways still fresh in mind.
 
Though the setting up of an airline business is a capital intensive that requires sustained spending, the end result is worth the try. 

The Mahama-led administration was emphatic that government was not going to fund but was only seeking a carried interest in the proposed airline. 

However, some experts questioned the government’s commitment to establish a new profitable airline. Others think it is worth trying in view of the benefits that can accrue from it. 

Some experts propose Ghana take up 100 % ownership of such an airline and later sell off the shares gradually to bigger airlines. 

With the involvement of local airline operators out of the question, government has to consider taking the bull by the horn and doing. 

For now the people of Ghana can look on as the government makes attempts at bringing back the once famous Ghana Airways


GBC Newsdesk