The Government of Ghana is actively working towards the establishment of a national airline, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed. The President made this announcement while receiving letters of credence from Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Ghana, at the Presidency in Accra.According to President Mahama, Ghana is open to forming partnerships with countries that have both the commitment and technical expertise to develop a national airline. He specifically mentioned the possibility of collaboration with the UAE, noting that Ghana could serve as an aviation hub in the region.“And so, when we get to that stage, I know that apart from Emirates, like Dubai and several other companies, if they are interested in partnering with Ghana to take advantage of Ghana as an aviation hub, we will be willing to work with the UAE,” he stated.Strengthening Ghana-UAE relationsPresident Mahama recalled the early days of Ghana Airways’ flights from Accra to Dubai, highlighting the significant growth in air traffic between the two nations. “Today, we have daily flights with Emirates between Accra and Dubai, and we appreciate that very much,” he said.He also encouraged increased investment from Gulf countries into Ghana, citing existing collaborations such as the partnership between Abu Dhabi and the Volta River Authority, which led to the establishment of the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant (TICO).Formalizing gold trade and labour exportThe President also touched on Ghana’s efforts to formalize its gold trade with the UAE. He disclosed that the government was in the process of setting up a Gold Board to regulate the sector and ensure transparent gold exports. “This will enable us to officially export gold to friendly countries interested in purchasing the commodity while eliminating non-transparency in the gold trade,” he explained.In addition, he noted that many Ghanaians were working in the UAE under informal agreements. To address this, the government was working on the Ghana Labour Export Programme, which would provide young Ghanaians with internationally recognized training in fields such as electrical engineering, carpentry, masonry, welding, and construction. The aim is to ensure that workers travel under formal agreements that guarantee their rights and protections.“Sometimes they run into trouble when they go to the UAE. So, we want to see how we can formalize that agreement so that when they go, they go legally and have all the protection they need from the UAE government,” President Mahama said.Cooperation in climate change and securityOn diplomatic relations, the President highlighted Ghana’s strong ties with the UAE, citing the establishment of a consulate in 2011 and an embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2017.Regarding climate change, he expressed appreciation to the UAE for its financial support, revealing that Ghana had received $30 million in funding last September to enhance climate resilience in affected communities. “Africa has contributed the least to climate change but is suffering the most from its effects,” he remarked.Additionally, President Mahama emphasized the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism, stating that West Africa has become a hotspot for terrorist and jihadist activities following the collapse of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi regime and the defeat of ISIS in Syria. “Terrorism is a threat to everyone in the world, and we must work together to counter it,” he said.Strengthening bilateral tiesOn his part, Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, the Ambassador of the UAE to Ghana, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana. He expressed optimism about future cooperation in multiple sectors, including aviation, trade, and security.With discussions ongoing in various areas, the potential establishment of a national airline marks a significant step towards Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a key aviation hub in Africa.