Ghana’s proposed national airline could expand its future network to South America and the Caribbean, President John Dramani Mahama said, as the government seeks to use air connectivity to deepen commercial and diplomatic ties with markets outside Africa.
Mahama said the airline would explore direct routes to the two regions during bilateral talks with Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The proposed expansion would give Ghana a potential aviation link with countries in the Caribbean and South America, where the government sees opportunities for stronger economic and diplomatic engagement.
Mahama said the geographical distance between Ghana and parts of the two regions does not necessarily make such routes impractical, citing travel times that could support greater direct connectivity.
The government has been pursuing plans for a national carrier as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector and improve international connectivity. Direct routes to South America and the Caribbean would broaden the potential market beyond the country’s traditional connections within Africa, Europe and North America. The airline discussions formed part of broader efforts by Ghana and Suriname to strengthen bilateral relations.
Mahama said closer cooperation with Suriname could provide Ghana with a platform to deepen its engagement with the wider Caribbean and South American region.
The two countries are also seeking to build on an agreement between them as the basis for closer bilateral relations.
The discussions highlight Ghana’s interest in using stronger transport and diplomatic links to expand its economic relationships with regions that have historical and cultural connections with the country.
For the proposed national carrier, access to new long-haul markets would also depend on commercial considerations including passenger demand, route economics, aircraft availability and the ability to sustain direct services.
