Mahama Explores South America, Caribbean Air Links for New Ghanaian Airline
President Mahama eyes South America and Caribbean routes amid drug trafficking concerns
President John Mahama is proposing that Ghana’s planned national airline fly to South America and the Caribbean to boost trade and tourism.
The idea emerged during his meeting with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2026. He said new routes could help strengthen people‑to‑people ties and expand the airline’s network.
Earlier in August, Mahama and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness agreed to speed up talks on a Bilateral Air Services Agreement that would permit direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay.
However, questions remain about how many passengers currently travel between Ghana and those regions and whether the current market size can support nonstop services.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority reported 2,539,034 international passenger movements for 2025, with 1,238,220 arrivals and 1,300,814 departures. Freight and transit passenger figures were also recorded.
The ongoing discussion about drug trafficking adds pressure on Ghana to show the airline can operate safely and attract legitimate travelers.
