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Delays and Uncertainty Plague Ghana’s National Airline Launch
Ghana’s Heritage Celebrated at the Launch of Akwasi Agyeman’s ‘When We Returned Book
Calls for Global Support, Not Travel Bans, Amid New Mpox Outbreak in Africa
Ghana’s plan to establish a national airline, Ghana Airlines, has faced significant delays and setbacks.
The government partnered with Ashanti Airlines Limited (AAL) in 2023, but AAL has struggled to secure an aircraft and lacks the financial strength to move forward, hindering the completion of the necessary regulatory processes, including acquiring an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
Despite ongoing recruitment, logo design, and manual development, the airline’s launch remains uncertain, with officials now considering other potential partners.
The Ministry of Transport cited a post-COVID-19 aircraft shortage as a contributing factor to the delays.
In a moving ceremony at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre in Accra, the Ghana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) Chief Executive Officer, Akwasi Agyeman, launched his much-anticipated book, When We Returned: From Chains to Crowns.
The eight-chapter book delves into Ghana’s rich heritage and the resilience of the African people through the lens of colonialism and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The launch event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, and the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey. Former Editor of the Daily Graphic, Elizabeth Ohene, and the Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourist Development Company Ltd, Kojo Antwi, were also present.
President Akufo-Addo, who officially launched the book, praised Akwasi Agyeman for his remarkable effort in chronicling Ghana’s history. In an act of support, the President purchased the first pack of 10 copies for GH¢50,000, underscoring the importance of the book in preserving the country’s heritage.
The ceremony was filled with emotion as excerpts from the book, detailing the harrowing experiences of the slave trade, were read aloud. Many guests were moved to tears, reflecting the deep connection between the past and present.
Rev. Joyce Aryee, Executive Director of the Salt and Light Ministries, who chaired the event, echoed the sentiments of the attendees, emphasizing the need for such works to educate and inspire future generations.
When We Returned: From Chains to Crowns, The latest work by Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, offers a profound exploration of Ghana’s colonial past and the enduring strength of the African spirit. The book, which was recently launched in Accra, stands as a testament to the resilience of the African people and the rich heritage that has emerged from centuries of struggle.
Agyeman’s inspiration for the book came after leading countless tours through Ghana’s slave dungeons, part of the Year of Return initiative.
With each visit, he realized how little he truly understood the depth of the story, despite having walked through the dungeons more than 30 times.
This realization spurred him on a personal journey of soul-searching and research, culminating in this comprehensive account.
The book, divided into eight chapters, provides a detailed look at the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on Ghana and the wider African continent. Agyeman’s narrative is not just a recounting of historical events but also an examination of the African spirit’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Enimil Ashon, Executive Director of the Centre for Communication and Culture, who reviewed the book, described it as an eye-opening and brutally honest account of the slave trade. He noted that Agyeman’s work challenges long-held narratives and presents the story of Africa’s encounter with Europe in a way that is both frank and necessary.
The book also serves as a call to action for Africans and the Diaspora to reclaim their heritage and identity. President Akufo-Addo, who spoke at the launch, highlighted the book’s role in reminding Africans of their shared history and the collective responsibility to shape a future of hope, resilience, and progress.
In more news
African health officials, led by Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya, have urged the international community to avoid imposing travel bans on African countries experiencing a new mpox outbreak.
Instead, they are calling for solidarity and support in the form of testing and vaccinations. The outbreak has resulted in around 1,400 new cases and 24 deaths in the past week.
Kaseya emphasized that travel bans would repeat the unfair treatment experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic and hinder global progress. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with vaccine manufacturers to allow local production and reduce costs.
Source: Joycelyn Marigold – African Property Magazine
