Ghana’s skies once roared with pride, but now they’re eerily silent. Could the return of Ghana Airways reignite that national pride? Afro-dancehall sensation Stonebwoy certainly thinks so. In a heartfelt plea shared on his social media platform on October 6, 2025, the artist, whose real name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, urged the government to resurrect the long-dormant national airline. 'Bring back GHANA AIRWAYS. Please and Thank You. It is Possible,' he wrote, reigniting a conversation that’s been dormant for years. But here's where it gets controversial: Is reviving a failed airline a wise investment, or a nostalgic pipe dream? Let’s dive in.
Ghana Airways, established in 1958—just a year after Ghana’s independence—was more than an airline; it was a symbol of sovereignty and progress. A joint venture between the Ghanaian government (60% ownership) and the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC, 40%), it proudly flew the Ghanaian flag to destinations worldwide for decades. But this iconic carrier met a tragic end in 2005, following a series of scandals, including the use of unairworthy aircraft and expired licenses. The final blow came when the U.S. Department of Transportation banned it from American airspace, cutting off crucial routes to New York and Baltimore.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the government’s attempts to salvage the airline by dismissing its board and taking full control, Ghana Airways was already drowning in debt and operational inefficiencies. Even a promising partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which proposed acquiring a 25% stake to aid restructuring, fell apart. The airline’s liquidation in June 2005 marked the end of an era—but does it have to be permanent?
Stonebwoy’s call to action isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about reclaiming a piece of Ghana’s identity. But the question remains: In an era of budget airlines and global aviation giants, does a national carrier still make sense? Or is this a romanticized vision that overlooks the harsh realities of the industry? Weigh in below—is Ghana Airways worth bringing back, or should we let the past stay buried?
