Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has strongly cautioned against using state funds to set up a national airline, citing its history of financial losses and mismanagement.
Mr. Bentil emphasized that investing in a national airline, which primarily serves the elite, is not a crucial priority for Ghana.
Instead, he advocates for allocating funds to improve the country’s railway system, particularly between Accra and major capitals, as well as dualizing key roads such as Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi.
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In a Facebook post on Friday, May 16, Mr. Bentil criticized the emotional push for a national airline, despite its repeated failures in the past, including attempts by private investors.
He argued that if a Ghanaian airline is viable, it should be funded through private capital, with incentives such as tax breaks and reduced airport charges.
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Here is the full statement
I wish to state here and now and say for the record; so no one will say they were not warned, that putting state funds to set up a national airline is a bad idea which has proven to be a loss maker everytime it has beene tried!!!
WE WILL BE BACK AFTER A FEW YEARS SCREAMING OVER THE LOOT OF FUNDS AND MISMANAGEMENT IF THIS BAD IDEA WHICH HAS BEEN TRIED AND FAILED MANY TIMES IS TRIED AGAIN!!!
AGAIN it must be made clear that an Airline IS NEVER a crucial thing because it only serves the elite. I would rather support using these funds to improve RAILWAYS BEWTEEN ACCRA AND THE MAJOR CAPITALS than serving the jet setting elite !!
We could also focus on dualizing the Accra to Kumasi and Takoradi roads. That would be a far better use of state funds, which will serve all levels of our society.
The undying emotional clamor by the elite to have a national airline is totally perverse. Especially when it’s been tried a number of times and failed, and even when private people tried it failed again!!!
If indeed a Ghanaian airline is a viable business, here’s my suggestion.
Float the business to invite private capital and give them 10 years tax free operations. Plus reduced charges at the airport and free landing!!
If with these encouragements the private sector doesn’t take it up then please don’t waste state funds for it.
Again. A national airline is Never a priority when our roads and railways which everyone uses are in disrepair.
If the private sectors wont do this, government should not waste state funds trying it.
