Ghana Aviation - The Birth of a World Class Airline is Eminent

The Future of Ghana Aviation - Take Pride in the Developement

THE PAST, PRESENT and THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IN GHANA

• The failure of Ghana Airways, later compounded by the collapse of Ghana International Airlines (GIA) was a serious blow to the Ghanaian psyche. One would read comments on the Ghana Web and various blogs that Ghanaians were simply not capable of operating an airline. It should be shown to the rest of the world that Ghanaians are ready, willing and able to prove themselves in the airline industry, just as they have done in so many other areas in today's modern world. The day will soon come again, when Ghanaian pilots, crew, management and staff will carry their heads proudly in cities around the world, where the Ghana flag will appear once again.

• Some basic rationale in support of this claim:

Ø  It is not acceptable that some 30 foreign airlines serve Kotoka International Airport, reaping the benefits from operating some of the most lucrative routes in the world's air transportation system, while Ghana - the host country - does not operate a single international flight.

Ø  It is not acceptable that Ghana has no operating carrier offering service for passengers or cargo to/from the neighbouring countries up and down the coast of West Africa.

Ø   It is not acceptable that the many capable staffs who had invested their lives in aviation carriers, are still without work and prospects in the industry. Ghana can offer trained and educated youth and personnel to fill any position in the airline industry.

v  Over the last ten years that have passed since the three West African carriers have ceased operations, there have been several important developments in the region that support the development and growth of a West African airline:

Ø  Ghana has further developed a peaceful and stable democracy, becoming the favourite West African destination for business and tourism alike. 

Ø  The Ghanaian Diaspora abroad, whether in the UK, the United States or elsewhere has grown by leaps and bound. Ghanaians abroad have made a name for themselves as respected and successful citizens, who have the means to travel "home" regularly.
West Africa, as a region is now peaceful. Conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast have ended. This opens new opportunities for robust growth of trade and commerce throughout the area. 

Ø  Ghana has joined the club of oil exporting nations. An international airline is an integral part of the infrastructure that a modern Ghana needs to develop and have one. 

Ø  Ghana is in the process of advancing its export industries, - agriculture in particular. Roads have been built and the railways are being extended, to bring people and cargo to major centres. Ghana needs its own airline to make export markets accessible.

Ø  Ghana already offers education to students on all levels. The country needs job opportunities for graduating students that an international airline does provide

THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IN GHANA

Get involved in  the Development

This article is written by and Ingo Blondal a West Africa aviation and tourism expert - former resident of Accra and Joe Klatsi (Aviation expert and Aerospace Engineer). Further articles on this subject matter are to follow. His writings represent the views of a group of individuals, located in West Africa and the United States who wish to see a new African airline rise from the ashes. It is an ambitious, but realistic and worthwhile goal.

Many Ghanaians yearn for a new national airline to be born. Ghana has been without an airline for too long. Ghanaians used to have the option to patronize their own airline or to avail themselves of services offered by the many foreign companies. Today the Ghanaian option does not exist, while the UK offers flights by two British airlines and Delta Airlines from the United States flies to/from Accra twice a-day. Many West Africans who live in the US do still have to travel via Europe to reach their West African destinations. Imagine the thousands who have endured long waits at European airports, squandering time and money. All they want is to make it home in a comfortable and affordable manner.
Like this the West African has no choices. The Sierra Leonian cannot travel home for Christmas, as there are no seats - not even via Europe. If a seat can be found the cost is heavy. The same applies to many other Africans, who must accept the cost and the inconvenience - or stay home.

“ It is time for Ghana to accept the challenge. With diligence and hard work this ambitious project will be brought to fruition. We are convinced that thousands of Ghanaians are prepared to support our efforts in the spirit of national pride and unity”.