Ghana is seeking a majority private investor to help establish a new national airline, more than two decades after the collapse of Ghana Airways (Accra), with initial operations targeted no later than the first quarter of 2027.
Reuters reported that the country's Ministry of Transport has begun market sounding for qualified airline operators or aviation investors as potential strategic partners. The government wants the investor to lead a joint venture to create a commercially viable and internationally competitive carrier based at Accra.
The ministry said the strategic partner is expected to hold a majority equity stake, a shift towards private-sector leadership rather than state control. Potential partners must have airline operations expertise, regulatory compliance records, and the financial capacity to support fleet acquisition and route development.
The proposed full-service airline is expected to operate long-haul passenger services to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside regional routes and an integrated cargo division. It should also acquire or deploy operating equipment in the short term.
Transport minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said in January 2026 that Ghana expected to complete outstanding regulatory processes and documentation within 12 months. The government established a 10-member national airline task team in May 2025 to oversee the revival project, including fleet acquisition, staffing, and route planning.
Ghana has not had a fully functioning national airline since Ghana Airways collapsed in 2004 after years of financial difficulties, failed restructuring attempts, and mounting debt. A later attempt, Ghana International Airlines, also failed in 2010. Privately owned Air Ghana gained an air operator's certificate (AOC) in 2014 and operates ACMI cargo flights under the DHL Express brand while preparing to launch passenger operations.
