Ghana is to make use of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to develop its aviation infrastructure and create a national carrier. The country aimed to make itself a viable aviation hub for West Africa and beyond. This was made clear by Ghanaian Transport Minister Dzifa Ativor at the International Air Transport Association Africa Regional Conference at Sandton, north Johannesburg, on Monday.

"We are working with the guidelines developed by the Ministry of Finance. We have the support of the World Bank on the PPP projects," she said in response to a question from Engineering News Online. "For the airline, the government is seeking only a small percentage [of the equity]. We have some experience in managing airlines and we feel the best way to go is to have only a small percentage in the [national] airline."

Ghana currently has five locally-registered airlines, flying only domestic routes. The government hopes that the new national carrier will be launched by the country's independence day (March 6) next year. New airports would also be built using PPPs.

"We recognise that aviation is a crucial sector that drives economic growth in many countries across the world, including Ghana," said Ativor in her address to the conference. "Africa is a continent on the rise. In terms of aviation development, it is the fastest region after the Middle East and Asia. We are on the right track."

"We are also very concerned with facilitating passenger and cargo throughput," she noted. "Ghana has recognised the role of aviation." Ativor described aviation as "our beloved sector".

Because Africa is a continent with enormous potential, it needed north-south and east-west connectivity. And, as air transport was the fastest form of transport, it was best suited to provide this trans-continental connectivity. The achievement and improvement of such connectivity would promote gross domestic product growth and wider socioeconomic growth.

She urged African countries to implement the necessary measures to allow the full development of intra-African air transport. These included building infrastructure, developing skills and reducing aviation-related taxes and fees across the continent.  "It is time for us to look at the benefits of intra-African connectivity and not defend our small turfs."