Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
The government’s ambitious plan to revive a national flag carrier and upgrade public transport is facing growing pressure from the Minority in Parliament, which is demanding greater transparency regarding the processes for private sector engagement.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Thursday, October 30, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe detailed the Ministry’s progress on establishing a new national airline.
The Minister confirmed that several investment proposals have been received from interested parties, a major step forward following years of attempting to restore Ghana’s presence in the international aviation sector. However, the Minister refused to disclose any specific details of the proposals or the entities that submitted them, citing ongoing commercial negotiations.
This refusal immediately drew sharp criticism from the Minority caucus. Ranking members of the Transport Committee demanded immediate clarification on when the government officially opened the slot for such proposals. They argue that the lack of disclosure about the timeline and the criteria for submission raises accountability concerns and prevents parliamentary oversight, insisting the full process must be laid before the House to ensure national interest is protected.
In addition to the aviation strategy, the Minister also outlined plans for a significant investment in land transport infrastructure, specifically mentioning the acquisition of new buses for the state-owned inter-city transport operator, Metro Mass Transit (MMT) .
This move is aimed at modernizing the fleet, improving safety, and expanding MMT’s coverage across the country, but it also comes under scrutiny as the Minority is likely to link it to their demands for financial transparency in all transport sector procurements.
Read the details of the Minister’s response from Thursday, October 30 Order Paper below:
