Ghana could soon have its own national airline again, as former President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to bring the long-abandoned dream back to life. Speaking during a high-profile diplomatic meeting at the Presidency in Accra, Mahama indicated that the government is actively exploring partnerships with international aviation giants—particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—to make Ghana a key aviation hub in West Africa.
“When we get to that stage, I know that apart from Emirates, like Dubai and several other companies, if they’re interested in partnering with Ghana to take advantage of Ghana as an aviation hub, we’ll be willing to work with the UAE,” Mahama stated, making it clear that big players in the industry are welcome to come on board.
The move comes as Ghana strengthens ties with the UAE, with direct flights between Accra and Dubai seeing a massive increase in recent years. But Mahama isn’t stopping at just aviation—he’s setting his sights on boosting trade, expanding job opportunities for Ghanaian workers, and securing more investment from the Gulf nation.
GOLD, JOBS & BIG MONEY DEALS
Beyond reviving the airline, Mahama is looking to tighten Ghana’s grip on its gold exports. He announced plans to establish a Gold Board, which will formalize gold trading and improve transparency, ensuring that Ghana benefits more from its rich mineral resources. Given the UAE’s role as a major gold trading hub, the partnership could be a game-changer for Ghana’s mining sector.
At the same time, Mahama is rolling out a Ghana Labour Export Programme, which will train and send skilled workers—such as electricians, carpenters, and masons—to the UAE under proper legal agreements. This, he says, will protect Ghanaian workers from exploitation and illegal migration.
“Sometimes they run into trouble when they go to the UAE. So, we want to see how we can formalize that agreement so that when they go, they go legally and have all the protection they need from the UAE government,” Mahama explained.
TACKLING SECURITY & CLIMATE CRISIS
Mahama also raised concerns about growing security threats in West Africa, particularly the spread of terrorism from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He linked the surge in extremism to the fall of Libya’s Gaddafi regime and the movement of ISIS fighters into the Sahel, warning that Ghana must stay vigilant.
On the climate front, he announced that Ghana has secured a $30 million fund from the UAE to help communities struggling with climate change impacts. He stressed that while Africa contributes little to global emissions, the continent is suffering some of the worst consequences.
UAE BACKS GHANA’S AMBITIONS
The UAE’s Ambassador to Ghana, Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties. He highlighted existing collaborations, including the UAE’s involvement in Ghana’s energy sector, and hinted at more investments in the pipeline.
With Mahama pushing forward on multiple fronts—aviation, trade, security, and climate action—Ghana’s relationship with the UAE is clearly taking flight. But will the national airline finally get off the ground, or will it remain stuck on the runway like previous attempts? Only time will tell.
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