President John Dramani Mahama has signaled Ghana’s intention to revive its national airline, suggesting a possible partnership with Portugal’s national carrier as part of broader efforts to re-establish the country as a key player in the aviation industry.

Speaking at the Jubilee House while receiving the credentials of Portugal’s new Ambassador to Ghana, Maria Da Conceição de, the President revealed that discussions around re-launching a national airline are gaining momentum.

“I've flown with your national airline before, so I’ve experienced the quality firsthand,” President Mahama said. “Ghana is working on re-establishing its own national carrier, and when the time is right, we’ll be open to strategic partnerships. Perhaps Portugal’s national airline might be interested.”

The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a safe, investor-friendly environment and encouraged deeper bilateral ties with Portugal.

“Ghana offers attractive investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, and aviation, supported by a market of nearly 35 million people. Strengthening business relations would be mutually beneficial—driving investment and job creation, particularly for our youth,” he said.

Earlier this year, President Mahama inaugurated a special task force to oversee the establishment of the new airline, demonstrating the government’s determination to breathe new life into Ghana’s aviation sector after nearly two decades without a national carrier.

Ghana’s last two attempts at operating a national airline—Ghana Airways (1958–2004) and Ghana International Airlines (2005–2010)—collapsed under financial and operational difficulties. A U.S. ban over debt-related issues was a major blow to Ghana Airways, leading to its eventual shutdown.

With the revival now back on the national agenda, the Mahama-led government sees the aviation sector as a potential growth driver and a symbol of national pride—one that could also position Ghana as a regional hub for air travel in West Africa.