The Government of Ghana has initiated a formal process to create a new national airline, beginning discussions with international aviation operators as part of efforts to build a commercially sustainable and globally competitive carrier headquartered in Accra.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, the Ministry of Transport said a dedicated task force has been set up to drive the process, with the proposed airline expected to serve as a hub for both regional and intercontinental air connectivity.
The ministry said it has begun a market sounding exercise and is inviting interested strategic partners to participate in a structured engagement process made up of three rounds of consultations.
The exercise is expected to lead to the selection of a qualified partner to form a joint venture with government.
According to the statement signed by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe (MP), eligible partners must be operating airlines, subsidiaries of airlines, or authorised entities representing established carriers.
Applicants are required to demonstrate strong capacity in airline operations, management, marketing, route development and network planning, as well as a proven record of compliance with international aviation regulations.
Government also stressed the need for financial strength and operational capacity to support the long-term objectives of the proposed national carrier.
Beyond the baseline requirements, the ministry said the preferred strategic partner will be expected to hold a majority equity stake in the new joint venture company to be established to run the airline.
The proposed airline is expected to operate as a full-service carrier, offering premium long-haul routes to destinations including Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, while also running a hybrid or low-cost model on regional African routes to support integration and affordable travel.
The plan also includes the establishment of an integrated cargo unit to support trade, logistics and export growth, alongside phased fleet acquisition and deployment within defined timelines, with initial operations targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
Interested companies are required to submit proposals titled “Request for Inclusion in the Investor Engagement Rounds: Establishment of a National Airline for Ghana”.
Submissions must include a company profile, relevant experience, preliminary expectations of the partnership structure, and an outline of the proposed business plan.
The deadline for submission is 29 May 2026, and proposals are to be delivered to the Secretariat of the Task Force at the Ministry of Transport in Accra.
The government says the process marks a critical step toward re-establishing a national carrier that can compete globally while strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub.
