President John Evans Atta Mills has assured the management of Arik Air Group, a leading African international airline, of government’s support to operate in Ghana .
He said the government welcomes foreign investors who are committed to partnering local counterparts to explore opportunities that were of benefit to the economy.
President Mills gave the assurance yesterday when the executive of the airline called on him at the Castle, Osu to present to him a proposal for its operations in the country.
Under the proposal, Arik Air, based in Nigeria, will partner Royal Ghanaian Airlines, a fast-growing local airline, to use Ghana as a hub for its flight operations.
With the aim of becoming a pan-African airline, Arik Air proposes to use Ghana ’s national colours on its aircraft to promote the country to the outside world.
President Mills lauded the proposal, and promised that the government would give it the necessary consideration.
He praised the group for the bold decision, saying that there was no reason for government to withhold its support for such initiatives.
“It is our policy to encourage people to invest,” he said, but cautioned that those who do not adhere to the laws of the country would not be entertained.
Sir Arumemi Ikhide, Chairman of the Arik Air Group, who led the executives including the Chairman of the Royal Ghanaian Airlines, Mr. Hansen-Thompson, said the airline was prepared to fully participate in Ghana’s aviation industry.
He said they were optimistic that their enhanced operations, using Ghana as a hub, would immensely contribute to Africa’s regional integration process to make the continent more competitive.
He thanked the government for its co-operation and pledged that the airline group would reciprocate by delivering quality services to Ghanaians and others.
He said the group plans to establish an Aviation school in Ghana to train pilots and other airline staff for the aviation industry in Africa.
He said the government welcomes foreign investors who are committed to partnering local counterparts to explore opportunities that were of benefit to the economy.
President Mills gave the assurance yesterday when the executive of the airline called on him at the Castle, Osu to present to him a proposal for its operations in the country.
Under the proposal, Arik Air, based in Nigeria, will partner Royal Ghanaian Airlines, a fast-growing local airline, to use Ghana as a hub for its flight operations.
With the aim of becoming a pan-African airline, Arik Air proposes to use Ghana ’s national colours on its aircraft to promote the country to the outside world.
President Mills lauded the proposal, and promised that the government would give it the necessary consideration.
He praised the group for the bold decision, saying that there was no reason for government to withhold its support for such initiatives.
“It is our policy to encourage people to invest,” he said, but cautioned that those who do not adhere to the laws of the country would not be entertained.
Sir Arumemi Ikhide, Chairman of the Arik Air Group, who led the executives including the Chairman of the Royal Ghanaian Airlines, Mr. Hansen-Thompson, said the airline was prepared to fully participate in Ghana’s aviation industry.
He said they were optimistic that their enhanced operations, using Ghana as a hub, would immensely contribute to Africa’s regional integration process to make the continent more competitive.
He thanked the government for its co-operation and pledged that the airline group would reciprocate by delivering quality services to Ghanaians and others.
He said the group plans to establish an Aviation school in Ghana to train pilots and other airline staff for the aviation industry in Africa.
