Ghana Seeks TAP Air Portugal as Partner for National Airline
Ghana is in talks with TAP Air Portugal as it seeks a strategic partner to relaunch its national airline. President John Dramani Mahama expressed interest in the Portuguese flag carrier during a credential ceremony for Portugal’s new ambassador, highlighting TAP as a potential collaborator for the project.
“I’ve flown TAP before and have experienced your national airline,” said Mahama. “Ghana is trying to establish a national airline, and at the appropriate time, we’ll be looking for partners. Perhaps Portugal’s airline could be considered.”
Mahama emphasized Ghana’s stable investment climate and its growing population of 35 million as attractive factors for potential aviation partners. A 10-member task force has been appointed by the government to develop a business plan and operational strategy for the proposed airline.
Ghana has also explored aviation partnerships with the United Arab Emirates and reviewed proposals from U.S.-based World Aviation Group (WAG). These efforts follow a string of failed attempts to revive a national carrier. Most recently, Ashanti Airlines’ attempt stalled after its certification process collapsed in May 2024.
Past efforts also included memoranda of understanding with Ethiopian Airlines in 2018 and EgyptAir in 2020, both of which failed to advance.
Ghana has been without a national airline since 2010, when Ghana International Airlines ceased operations. That closure followed the collapse of its predecessor, Ghana Airways, in 2004. The government now hopes that collaboration with a major airline like TAP Air Portugal can help restore its flag carrier and improve international connectivity.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com