President John Dramani Mahama has expressed hope that Ghana’s national airline will return to the skies before the end of his tenure, as his government pursues plans to modernise the country’s transport sector.
The President made the disclosure while addressing the Russian University of Transport in Moscow on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during his visit to Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit.
“And even as I speak, we are working on rebuilding our cherished national airline. It is my hope that before I leave office we will have it back in the air,” he said.
Mahama said the planned revival forms part of broader efforts to improve transport infrastructure, alongside investments in roads, railways, ports and airports.
He said the government was reconstructing major road networks, expanding existing port facilities, developing the railway network and working on airport expansion, including three new regional airports.
“Transport systems are an important catalyst for development,” he said, adding that efficient transport networks help connect communities, facilitate trade and expand economic opportunities.
Ghana Airways, established in 1958, was once the country’s national carrier but was wound up in 2004 amid mounting debt.
The government’s 2005 Budget Statement confirmed that the airline had been wound up because of its huge indebtedness, with Ghana International Airlines subsequently incorporated as a replacement.
The latest pledge signals Mahama’s ambition to restore a national airline, although he did not provide a specific launch date, funding arrangements or operational details in the remarks.
The President’s comments came as he received an honorary doctorate from the Russian University of Transport in recognition of his leadership and contributions to national development, particularly in transport infrastructure and education.
He also received an honorary doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) during the same visit to Moscow.
