The Chief Executive Officer of Richardson Group of Companies, John Andrew Richardson, has called on President John Mahama to include the re-establishment of a national airline as part of his ambitious Reset Agenda.
As the founder of Oligarch Africa Ltd, Mr. Richardson, a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the travel and tourism industry, emphasized the profound impact a national airline could have on Ghana’s economy, tourism, and global image.
Reflecting on the legacy of Ghana Airways, established in the late 1950s by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Mr. Richardson in a statement highlighted its historical role as a symbol of national pride and progress.
“The national airline had its own fleet including Douglas DC-9s and McDonnell Douglas DC-10’s with weekly flights from Accra to cities such as; London, Paris, Zurich, New York,” he said.
Mr. Richardson expressed his belief that reviving the spirit of Ghana Airways or forming a new national airline under a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement could yield immense benefits for the country.
According to him, a well-managed national airline could be a game-changer for Ghana’s economy.
“A new national airline will boost our tourism sector enhance job creation and revenue generation. An efficient national airline will improve trade and connectivity by facilitating trade seamlessly ensuring the movement of goods especially exports. It will also serve as a symbol of National identity and pride, projecting a positive image of the country globally.”