Ghana’s plan to revive a national airline has received a major boost after President John Dramani Mahama held talks with senior executives of Boeing in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Boeing indicated that Ghana’s ambition to return a national carrier to the skies within approximately 18 months could be achievable, provided the necessary structures and implementation arrangements are put in place.
The discussions, facilitated by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, went beyond the possible purchase of aircraft, with the government seeking a broader strategic partnership with the US aerospace giant.
President Mahama said Ghana wanted Boeing to help develop an aviation ecosystem capable of creating skilled jobs, transferring technology and strengthening the country’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
“Ghana does not want its relationship with Boeing to be defined simply by the purchase of aircraft,” President Mahama said.
“We want a strategic partnership that helps us build an aviation ecosystem, creating skilled jobs, transferring technology, strengthening our industrial base and positioning Ghana as an aviation and logistics hub for West Africa.”
The talks covered technical support for the revival of the national carrier, fleet development and the possible establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Ghana to serve airlines across West Africa and the wider continent.
The proposed MRO facility could provide maintenance and repair services while creating opportunities for aviation training, technology transfer and high-value employment for Ghanaian youth.
Boeing expressed its readiness to work with the Ghanaian government as the national carrier project advances.
The engagement forms part of President Mahama’s broader Reset Ghana Agenda, which seeks to attract strategic investment, create jobs and build local technical capacity.
The government’s renewed airline plan therefore extends beyond putting the national flag back on aircraft.
It seeks to establish an aviation ecosystem capable of supporting tourism, trade, regional connectivity, skills development and Ghana’s ambitions to become a major aviation and logistics gateway in West Africa.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
