The government of Ghana has launched a global search for a strategic investor to establish a new national airline, adopting a private-sector-led model aimed at repositioning the country in African aviation and transforming Accra into a regional hub.

Under the proposed structure, the selected partner will hold a majority stake up to 75% while the state retains a minority share. The move marks a significant departure from previous state-led ventures, including Ghana Airways, which collapsed in 2004, and Ghana International Airlines, which ceased operations in 2010.

The tender is open to established airlines or aviation-focused consortia with proven operational and financial capacity. Authorities say the selection process will be conducted in multiple phases, with emphasis on technical expertise, capital strength, and the ability to launch operations swiftly in a highly competitive industry.

Officials have underscored the need for an experienced operator capable of building a sustainable business model and a robust route network spanning both regional and intercontinental markets.

Central to the initiative is the ambition to position Accra as a leading aviation hub in West Africa, competing with established gateways such as Addis-Abeba home to Ethiopian Airlines and Casablanca, the base of Royal Air Maroc.

The future airline is expected to operate a hybrid model combining:

• full-service long-haul operations,

• a strong regional African network,

• and cargo services to support trade flows.

This integrated approach is designed to capture a larger share of Africa’s growing air traffic market, much of which remains routed through non-African hubs.

Beyond aviation, the project aligns with Ghana’s broader economic agenda to boost tourism, enhance trade connectivity, and strengthen its position as a regional business gateway.

Industry analysts note that the success of the initiative will hinge on governance discipline, financial sustainability, and the credibility of the chosen partner areas where previous attempts fell short.

Authorities aim to complete partner selection in 2026, with commercial operations targeted for launch as early as 2027. The strategic partner will be responsible for fleet acquisition, operational setup, and route development.

If successful, the initiative could reshape the competitive landscape of West African aviation, as countries across the region increasingly turn to public-private partnerships to revive or establish national carriers.