Ghana seeks to become West Africa’s aviation hub with launch of home-based carrier

Ghana is poised to solidify its position as West Africa's aviation hub with the imminent launch of its home-based carrier. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Ghana's Aviation Minister, Joseph Kofi Adda, provided insights into the progress and plans for the country's aviation sector. Adda highlighted the strategic partnerships being forged to finalize the establishment of the airline within the next couple of months. Ghana's aviation sector has shown remarkable growth, with a projected throughput of over three million passengers by the end of the year. The country has been recording steady growth in international and domestic passenger traffic, with an average of over eight thousand international passengers and more than ten thousand domestic passengers daily. Adda emphasized the comprehensive approach being adopted to enhance aviation services, including aircraft maintenance, training organizations, ground handling, and infrastructure development. Recognizing the pivotal role of the private sector in driving growth, Adda underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Ghana's vision of becoming West Africa's aviation hub. He highlighted ongoing negotiations with various private sector entities to facilitate investments in the sector, emphasizing the need for a collaborative and mutually beneficial approach. Infrastructure development is a key focus area for Ghana's aviation sector, with significant investments directed towards expanding and modernizing airport facilities. The construction of Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport stands as a testament to Ghana's commitment to enhancing infrastructure. Adda noted that funding for such projects has been sourced through collaboration with financial institutions, including Ecobank, Fidelity, and development finance institutions. Looking ahead to the hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area secretariat in Accra, Adda highlighted the strategic importance of Ghana as a key player in facilitating business activities within the region. He emphasized the role of Ghana's aviation sector in supporting the objectives of the Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market. Ghana aims to leverage its strong safety oversight record and modern airport infrastructure to bolster trade facilitation and regional integration. In conclusion, Adda reiterated Ghana's readiness to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the aviation sector, driven by a collaborative approach involving the public and private sectors. With a strategic vision to become a prominent aviation hub in West Africa, Ghana is well-positioned to lead the region's aviation industry and contribute to economic growth and connectivity across the continent.