Government won't pump money into any Airline- Cecelia Abena Dapaah reveals

The outgoing minister for Aviation- Cecelia Abena Dapaah, has disclosed that government won't invest into any Airlines.
According to the minister, government’s decision was to have a little bit interest in all home-base carriers but not to own the airline into its entirety.

Speaking at the 2018 meet the press series in Accra, the aviation minister said the move was to ensure sustainability and improve competition.
"This quest to become a sub-regional hub for airline travel could be achieved if the country has a Home-Based Carrier”, Cecelia Abena Dapaah stated.

The minister added that Cabinet has granted an approval in October 2017, for the Ministry to start the necessary processes for the establishment of the Home-Based Carrier with Private Sector participation.

"Cabinet has also given approval for the Ministry to negotiate with Air Mauritius and Abu Dhabi Aviation, while continuing discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other strategic investors to establish the Home-Based Carrier with Ghanaian participation”, The aviation minister said.

The establishment of the carrier has the potential to generate financial and economic benefits with its multiplier effect on Ghana and within the West African sub-region.
The outgoing minister hinted that the Aviation sector has undergone tremendous growth with a reflection of stable political, social and economic atmosphere.
She explained that, the number of International Airlines operating in the Country has increased from 35 to 38 with the inclusion of Air France, Mid Africa Aviation and Air Namibia.

This according to the minister has led to the increase in passenger statistics from 2016.
"The domestic passenger numbers recorded in 2017 was 483,261 as against 421,261 recorded in 2016. This shows a positive variance of 61,275 representing 14.5% compared to the same period in the previous year", the minister said.
She also disclosed that the increase in the numbers was as a result of the abolishment of the 17.5% VAT on domestic air fares.
The minister also stated that process is underway to create an enabling environment for private sector participation. To this end, new airline operators such as DAC Aviation, Baby Jet Airlines and Unity Air will soon commence domestic operations.

By: Richard Adonu Mensah