Ghana International Airlines (threads merged) [Archive]

Wizard

28th Feb 2005, 10:16

see this thread for more -

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/sil2/r.php?thread=1361134

Subject:_Dr. Anane, the Minister of Mischief & GIA
Author:_Nii_(registered user)
Date:___02-24-2005 18:48
Author: Roger Ramjet Date: 02-24-2005 16:26

It is true that with the grounding of Ghana Airways in New York and the revocation of its licenses to operate to the USA, the GCAA (Ghana Civil Aviation Authority) was immediately downgraded from being Class 1 country status for Civil Aviation, to a Class 2 country according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards.

When GCAA was a Class 1 country for Civil Aviation it meant that, as of right, all of Ghana's airlines were deemed acceptable to operate into other class 1 countries like Europe, USA, South Africa and Ghana's certificates were accepted on face value without the need for further inspections of Ghana's airlines and its Civil Aviation Authoritiy's oversight and supervision of its airlines was in effect "trusted".

The FAA in the USA noted it was the first time that it had ever cancelled the license of a National Airline - EVER. It was done because of persistent breach of safety regulations, illegally operating its DC10 aircraft in contravention of maintenance regulations and maintenance not being done or reported in the log books as required, operating with 2 expired licenses, etc.

The buck stops with the light fingered "unsheathed" Dr Anane - the Minister of Mischief himself - who personally oversaw the demise of Ghana Airways, the mismanagement and subsequent downgrading of the GCAA - through his persistent politicising of what essentially are highly technical fields (which incidentally have nothing to do with Gynaecology, his trained specialty - or his other specialty of getting 10% kickbacks from road contractors).

When the light fingered Dr imposes himself with his 10% tricks on the road contractors, at least it leaves the road contractors in the main to manage their businesses - so somehow they go on.

His imposition on Ghana Airways (and now GIA) as well as on the GCAA, however, comes with the added baggage of him trying to micro manage the affairs of these organisations - with disasterous effects for Ghana.

The economy and good name of Ghana suffers. Tourism suffers. Transportation of Ghanaians, their families, businesses and the diaspora suffer. Ghana's image and the goals of the Government for a "golden age of business" are put into disarray. But the multinational big airlines have boom times.

The Mormons and those "big people behind Anane" who are associated with GIA must have been dreaming of the old Ghana Airways games coming back again for them and for their pockets.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Airways staff and all creditors remain unpaid while the only assets of Ghana Airways, including its cash from royalty payments, etc., is misappropriated from being available to meet creditors, to being put into GIA. this is nothing short of being criminal behaviour.

But didn't Dr Anane commit the Government of Ghana to paying all of the debts (creditors) of Ghana Airways?

And didn't he say under oath at his vetting that as far back as 2001 all of the potential investors in Ghana Airways were informed that the Government of Ghana would ring fence and pay the debts of Ghana Airways?

That's a big lie and all involved, many, many, too many people, know it. Ooooh dear Doctor.

Isn't that perjury? Its just a question.

Ghana, where oh where are ALL of the journalists!

[This is an authentic posting from Nii (Registered User)]

Alfred Kamara

2nd Mar 2005, 21:31

that's all fine but where are they going to find pax on a daily flight to sa when gunss (if he is right) says that sa are less than half full ? i do not understand ??????

gunss a mormon can drink but has more than 1 wife - so basically like most of us they are just legal or so they say :)

Gunship

3rd Mar 2005, 06:28

Fanks Alf. :ok:

Hope your strikes in SL is not too bad ..

I spoke to some senior ex Ghana Air Officials.

They seem to have serious doubts re the new routes / the financing of the aircraft and the situation in general.

Wizard

4th Mar 2005, 14:21

Continental to fly Accra-New York Route

see story at this link:-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=76537

Gunship

4th Mar 2005, 16:28

In the three month here in ACC I have heard about 6 airlines that will start up to the USA .. seeing is believing but whoever does it ... will make bieg bucks $$$ :ok:

Gunship

4th Mar 2005, 18:47

From Ghanaweb

President John Agyekum Kufuor officially announced the “death” of Ghana Airways in his 2005 ‘State of the Nation’ Address, and also took the opportunity to announce the imminent “birth” of a new “Ghana International Airlines” (GIA). According to industry sources, the new Airline is to be owned jointly by the Government of Ghana (70%) and a Mormon Group from the USA (30%).

Snippets of information coming in from Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Mormon Group is based, however reveal that the new Airline is already off to a false start. According to our sources, the GIA has a total of two staff, both Mormons from the USA, who have been lobbying Ghanaian Companies such as Databank Ltd and the Fidelity Group and other Companies, to invest in the GIA.

No International Investors for GIA Our sources also state that the two Mormons have not been able to find any international investors for the GIS except Ethiopian Airlines who will only invest if they can have the Accra-Baltimore and Accra-New York routes to themselves.

GIA Finances Ghana Palaver has also learnt that GIA has a foreign exchange account with the Standard Chartered Bank in Accra, and that the account is in credit to the tune of US$2.9 million. However, the amount in the account came from royalties due to the bankrupted Ghana Airways, and that instead of using the funds to pay Ghana Airways’ creditors, such as staff wages, the amount was diverted into the GIA’s account on the orders of the Minister of Road Transport, Dr. Richard “Condom Free” Anane. We are further informed that the Mormon partners of the GIA have not paid any significant funds into the Company yet, and that indeed under the agreement signed with the Minister of Road Transport, Dr. Richard “Condom Free” Anane, the Mormons who will have 30% of the GIA shares do not have to invest themselves. Sources within the Ghana Airways staff have also informed Ghana Palaver that all of the staff and benefits claims of Ghana Airways amount to about US$40 million, but that the Government has offered to pay them only US$2 million, which they have rejected.

Our further information is that to date, the staff have not been legally notified of the termination of their appointments because of the Government’s inability to pay them their entitled severance awards and terminal benefits, and because the little money available has been diverted from Ghana Airways to the GIA’s bank account.

GCAA Downgraded

In a related development, and in a typical case of what the Akans describe as “kotere kodi mako ma aponkyereni firi nfifire” (the lizard goes to eat his pepper and it is rather the frog who sweats), one Roger Ramjet, who writes with some authority on Ghana Airways and GIA affairs, has posted on the Internet that with the grounding of Ghana Airways in New York and the revocation of its licenses to operate to the USA, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was immediately downgraded from being Class 1 country status for Civil Aviation to a Class 2 country according to International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) standards. When GCAA was a Class 1 country for Civil Aviation, it meant that, as of right, all of Ghana’s airlines were deemed acceptable to operate into other Class 1 countries in Europe and the USA and countries like South Africa, and Ghana’s certificates were acceptable on face value without the need for further inspections of Ghana’s airlines and its Civil Aviation Authority’s oversight and supervision of its airlines was in effect “trusted”.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of the USA noted that it was the first time that it had ever cancelled the license of a National Airline. It was done because of persistent breaches of safety regulations, illegally operating its obsolete DC10 aircraft in contravention of maintenance regulations and maintenance not being done or reported in the log books as required and operating with two expired licenses.

According to Mr. Roger Ramjet, the buck in all this stops with Dr. Richard “Condom Free” Anane, who personally oversaw the demise of Ghana Airways, the mismanagement and subsequent downgrading of the GCAA through his persistent politicising of what are essentially highly technical fields, which incidentally have nothing to do with Gynaecology, his trained speciality.

The Ghanair Takeover Imbroglio —
THE CHARACTERS BEHIND GHANA INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE

Ghana Palaver can today reveal the identities of the three American Mormon characters behind the Ghana International Airlines (GIA), the alleged “strategic partner” to the Government of Ghana, and they give real cause for concern. Ralph Atkin, the first Mormon, allegedly tries to bask in the glory of the US Airline, Skywest, as if he was responsible for Skywest’s success. Our information however is that though Atkin used to work with Skywest, he was long gone from operation responsibility, when Skywest started operating United’s feeder operation in California, and that Skywest became the airline it is now after Ralph Atkin left. The next American Mormon behind GIA is Albert Vitale of Florida who passes himself off as an ex-Pan Am pilot, but the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) only knows of issuing him a pilot’s license in 1993, but only for single-engine aircraft on flights over land. It is known, however, that Pan Am went out of business in 1991. Albert Vitale is reported to be currently in some role with Chalk Airways in Florida, which operates Grumman seaplanes between Miami and Bahamas. Finally, there is Sean Mendis, whose only experience in airline management is that his parents are ex-Air India cabin crew. Mendis however has allegedly boasted to Albert Vitale and others that his father was a management pilot on the 744 fleet. Mendis also allegedly passes himself off as an Aviation Consultant in Canada and India – after getting deported from the USA due to visa violations. This is the “great management team” with “lengthy and successful” track records in commercial air management and operations that Richard “Condom Free” Anane and the NPP Government have contracted to take over Ghana Airways and partner the Government of Ghana to run the new Ghana International Airlines

Engineer

5th Mar 2005, 08:03

Guns

Wow what a team two mormons that lie about their background in aviation and a deportee. Sounds like the old Ghana Airways management. :\

Maybe GIA should be renamed Scareways II Rise of the Phoenix only the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent. :ok:

With the HQ at the waikiki club better known in the old day as the Kilimanjaro :D

InitRef

8th Mar 2005, 15:48

Rumor that the "Mormons" plan to codeshare GIA on the North American Airlines NYC-Accra service.

NAA is a charter outfit, most known for transporting US military, and Club Med tourists.

Wizard

11th Mar 2005, 17:59

saw this on http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/sil2/r.php?thread=1373850

Some questions to consider re GIA

is Anane still the sector minister for Aviation,

has “Aviation” actually been removed from Roads Transport (is it no longer Roads & Transport),

if so – where has the Aviation “Ministry” gone?

Has it gone to the President?

Who does the GCAA currently deal with and report to or take instructions from.

Is Anane still involved in Aviation or in GIA?

If so, the details of exactly how Anane is involved and on what basis – with regard to the new Aviation Ministry and GIA should be most interesting?

Is the old finance director of Ghana Airways, Addison involved with anything with GIA in any capacity – as he was the key to hiding the massive corruption and misconduct from the accounts of Ghana Airways.

What cash have they actually raised that is verifiable - then check it?

Who from?

On what basis?

What aircraft do they have or own?

What are the details of their timetable –

(A) to get the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), (B) to get FAA approvals as a part 121 or other carrier as is necessary to fly into US airspace, (C) to complete their capital raising (D) to take delivery of their aircraft (and what type) (E) to make their first flight

Who are their key technical people necessary to be able to get begin the process to apply for their AOC and FAA approvals

(a) chief pilot (b) operations director/manager (c) head of in flight services (flight attendants) (d) maintenance engineering director/manager (e) CEO or who will be nominated as “the person responsible” for GIA’s operations for the regulators – important (f) finance manager/director (g) human resources manager/director (h) marketing manager (i) safety officer (j) cargo manager

What computer reservation system will they use – who is their IT manager?

Where are their offices going to be?

How many staff will they employ in their admin., on the ground and how many flying?

check out the first couple of articles here below off google to see what is being said about GIA

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=ghana+international+airways&btnG=Google+Search

InitRef

12th Mar 2005, 20:43

A C Vitale posted this on airliners.net

.....If GIA drops the market costs significantly to take advantage of the lower operating costs it could drastically change the landscape of the current market. For example what do you think would happen if it became cheaper to fly between LOS and ACC rather then drive?

....More cities will be appearing in the GDS systems as the bi-lateral agreements are negotiated......

This will be the best capitalized start up airline in the history of West Africa with a number of innovations that will help it in the competitive market.

Any more then that I am not at liberty to discuss. The business plan has been vetted by SH&E, a number of other airlines and has a team of no less then 26 airline professionals involved in the business plan. I am confident that it will move forward and be successful

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/1969760/

wonder who and where these 26 professionals? Knowing these guys past performance, 24 out of the 26 are probably teenage arm-chair airline CEO's who normally write down tail numbers at airports...

Wizard

15th Mar 2005, 16:02

See story at this address:-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=77292

Business News of Tuesday, 15 March 2005

GIA Announces Destinations

Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIA) yesterday announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recognized the airline and issued the new national carrier with the airline code “GO.” GIA is now able to publish in computer reservation systems, allowing travel agents in every corner of the world to view flight operations during the summer of 2005.

Destinations launched by GIA during the summer will include Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Bamako, Ouagadougou, Banul, Conakry and Dakar.

In the winter schedules, GIA plans to add non-stop service between Accra and London and between Accra and Dusseldorf.

“The new national airline will become a flag bearer for Ghana across Africa and, indeed, across the world”, said J. Ralph Atkin, chief executive officer of GIA. “Ghanaians everywhere will be proud of GIA.”

GIA is the new national carrier of Ghana and is a Ghanaian Company formed in partnership between the Government of Ghana and a consortium of international private investors.

Operating a fleet of modern and efficient Boeing 767-300ER and MD 90 aircraft, GIA plans to develop Accra as the “Gateway to Africa,” providing connections from Europe and North America to Accra and onward within Africa.

Source: ACCRA DAILY MAIL

see discussion also:-

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/sil2/r.php?id=1377322&thread=1376777

Yak97

17th Mar 2005, 07:37

I wonder if that they mean G0 (number 0) rather than GO (letter O). GO is issued to a Scandinavain carrier. I know IATA will issue controlled duplications (GO is also used by a Turkish carrier?), but there could be overlap between the operators. G0 is not currently issued.

TimS

17th Mar 2005, 17:03

GO is already what is known as a 'controlled duplicate' according to Gabriel (which is generally fairly up to date) .....

>dxa/go
GO GO FLY LTD.
GO d KUZU AIRWAYS CARGO TRANSPORT

...... I seem to recall that 'zero options' are not available.

The plot thickens ......

Added comment ..... There is a moritorium on reissue of 'unused designators', but this is probably exceeded now (I'll talk to some contacts in IATA and see if I can establish the facts.

Yak97

17th Mar 2005, 17:19

Sorry TimS yes your right, I was looking at an old listing.

Would GO Fly have not given there's back when Ej took them over?

I have found A0 & D0 issued, but I can't see any others? Strange.

Rgds

Thunderball 2

17th Mar 2005, 18:26

Whatever its two-letter-code, the word on the block I hear is that GIA is still short of about 98% of the capital necessary to actually start operating.....

As for the business plan being vetted by SH&E and prepared by a team of 26 industry professional, this - if true - guarantees ignominious failure.

Apparently in 1957, at the time of independence, the GDP of Ghana was almost identical to the GDP of South Korea. Today the GDP of Korea is almost 35 times greater than Ghana's. Ghanaians are prefectly intelligent people, but they do not seem to be served by politicians capable of creating structures within which business can flourish.

Engineer

17th Mar 2005, 18:41

Ghanaians are prefectly intelligent people
Only the ones that leave the country or get involved in the country's politics :D

TimS

17th Mar 2005, 21:27

I think I'd have to reject that Engineer - its a difficult environment which even the better individual is forced to follow.

The problem sits with the two parties you recommend, in particular the later (short term reward rather than development)

TimS

Yak,

You are right about \'Aye Zero\' ....

>dxa/a0
A0 THAI JET INTERGROUP CO.LTD
>dxa/d0
015 - FORMAT

.... but possibly not \'Dee Zero\'.

Which destroys my theory, so will go into research (beg a favour) mode.

Brgds TimS

Wizard

22nd Mar 2005, 18:19

Can Ghana International Airlines restore ECOWAS pride?
By: Jeffrey, Peter Nee, (2005-02-16)
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/artikel.php?ID=75464

West African Renaissance –

ECOWAS and Ghanaian citizens must thank Mr Ralph Atkin and his team of executives for saving the Ghanaian national airline. Yes the name may have changed from Ghana Airways to Ghana International Airline, and in any major business, investors/businessmen tend to seek returns for their initial investments first and foremost than mere national sentiments.

However looking at the airline industry as a whole, the turbulence and the fold up of major airlines is now part and parcel of the whole restructuring of the industry. This process started well before the 9/11 tragedies. Thus saving a major regional airline from liquidation should help boost investment for the sub-region.

In the sub-region once major giants like Nigeria Airways and others have all gone under. All should appreciate for having men like Ralph Atkin who are still prepared to invest in an African carrier irrespective of the chaotic investment climate that prevail on the continent, thus keeping the Black Star afloat.

West Africans are very patriotic and therefore despite the 2004 summer crisis, in which the daughter of this writer and her friend were caught up in and got stranded in Accra for almost a month, thus missing the beginning of the fall semester, citizens of ECOWAS would once again fly the Ghanaian national carrier (The only airline remaining in the sub-region).

It does make business since to disentangled politics and nostalgic feelings from running an airline business. Ghana “Airways” International Airline is the only national airline remaining in the sub-region, however without the drastic measures taken by President Kufuor the national airline would have gone the same way as the rest. The demise of the national enterprises in the sub-region mirrors the chaotic state of the region as a whole where lawlessness and sheer brutality reigns.

The events in neighbouring Togo and the Ivory Coast (where civil society has totally broken down) shows that whatever effort outsiders will make to turn our societies into fledging democracies will fail.

The make up of the West African sub-region is such that any instability that occurs in one country affects all the other countries. Tribes and different ethnic groups overlaps, thus the whole region is like one big family. Migration within the sub-region started well before the arrival of the colonial powers and is still going on unabated. Yes there have been expulsions, but as always the prosperous attracts migrants from the poorer ones…………….

Thus in the 1960s most migration were from the northern countries to southern countries of West Africa. In the 1980s when Nigeria came to the fore she attracted a whole generation of migrants from the rest of the sub-region.

Now Ghana has once again become the destination of migrants due to her vibrant economy and respect of human rights. Crises have also contributed and fuel this migration. Investors and friends of Africa like Ralph, having faith, investing in an African airline means all is not lost.

The only nagging issue that remains is lack of respect for rule of law and corruption on massive scale.

The installation of Eyadema’s son to the Togolese presidency, the instability in Ivory Coast, where the country is basically been divided into two with bandits ruling one half of the country, makes mockery of our democracies in the sub-region. Without the help of the British in installing peace in Sierra Leone and forcing peace in Liberia, the whole region would have been in flames…………… to a point that before the lawful democratic elections in Ghana and Nigeria some senseless people were advocating “Liberia Way” if the elections did not go their way”.

Thus it is incumbent on Presidents Obasanjo and Kufuor to ensure that peace reign in Togo and Ivory Coast so that the sub-region can continue to entice investors like Ralf Atkin to come and invest in the region. The integration of the economies of the sub-region is the only way that can help uplift our people from poverty.

Free movement of people, goods and services should be implemented to the letter of the ECOWAS protocol. The total economic integration of ECOWAS and respect for rule of law are some of tenets of that would reassure friends of West Africa to continue to invest in our homeland.

And in this respect the success of Ghana “Airways” International Airline is paramount not only to Ghana but the whole sub-region.

Solid Rust Twotter

23rd Mar 2005, 04:56

Perfectly intelligent people who continue to appoint those who would steal from them. Unfortunately it's not confined to Ghana, or even Africa. Seems to be a worldwide phenomenon.

Regardless, good luck to those trying to get a workable airline running in West Africa. Hope the problems you face can be sorted out.

TimS

25th Mar 2005, 06:50

Not an opinion, nor necessarily factual - another 'cut and paste' from Ghanaweb.com ........

GIA At Critical Stage Appeals to Govt

Ghana International Airlines has already published its summer schedule, take off is not fully assured, for, the Government of Ghana has to deposit its contribution to Ghana International Airlines and sign the shareholder's resolution regarding the term sheet and business plan this week or else a major part of the deal will fall through.

An industry source told ADM, "there is an absolute immediate urgency for the Government to pay this amount this week." Displaying great optimism, another source disclosed that the money would go through this week because "we have assurance that the Chief of Staff will give the okay before we break for Easter."

President Kufuor is said to be eager to get the airline flying because that's one legacy he wants to leave before his term runs out. But if for some reason the payment is held up, some of the problems that would occur would put the entire project in jeopardy.

For example the timetable for starting flights would be compromised. GIA requires a minimum of three months from completion of fundraising to complete the certification and training process for the new aircraft.

Any delays in moving forward will delay the start date, which in turn will allow competitors to take over the market.

Another serious setback would be that London Heathrow slots would become unavailable.

A GIA delegation made tremendous progress during the bilateral air service talks in the UK last month.

If there is no deposit made by this week and GIA cannot make the commitment talks scheduled in London on March 30, then GIA will not be able to operate to London Heathrow until at least Winter 2006.

Critically, aircraft will become unavailable because GIA cannot make firm commitments to acquire these aircraft until the outstanding issues of cash are resolved.

Other airlines are seeking the same aircraft that GIA is after and if the company cannot sign a commitment by March 31, it is certain that one of these aircraft will no longer be available.

Already, many key members of the management team are reconsidering their commitment to the project due to the delays, and potential investors are said to be getting jittery.

Credibility, which is a major element in any business transaction, stands to suffer as well if the main partners in the deal dither. When accusing fingers point at them and the badge of "unreliable" is pinned on them that already stigmatise the new airline.

Continued delays with vendors, codeshare partners, who cannot proceed with signing agreements means that GIA cannot afford to commence operation. And even if it does, after a long delay, then it would be as a carrier of unreliability and delays.

Already, venomous rumours on the deal are doing the rounds on a number of websites and doing damage.

Engineer

25th Mar 2005, 08:36

Perfectly intelligent people who continue to appoint those who would steal from them. Unfortunately it's not confined to Ghana, or even Africa
Agree totally, but the sad side of the coin is that it is so prevalent and in your face in the third world and goes on unchecked.

The attitude is Need to steal $5 million today just in case tomorrow have no job. When tomorrow comes need to steal another $5 mil using yesterday's logic :) Forgetting that the cow needs to be fed to ensure a good milk yield. Rather then just milking :confused:

In the "civilised" (using the word loosely) world it is more a case of skimming off the top over a long period, hence acheiving a constant source of income.

TimS
The better person has no choice but to follow unless they want to starve. It is an example of the old adage "if you lie down with dogs that have fleas you will get up with fleas" :{

TimS

31st Mar 2005, 14:52

Hey, maybe they are going to make it .....

GIA Begins Operations In June

THE new national airline, Ghana International Airlines (GIA), will begin operations from June this year.

This follows the mobilisation of $7 million by the shareholders.

Out of the total money so far raised, the government contributed $4.9 million as part of its 70 per cent stake, while the remaining amount was raised by Ghana International Airline (GIA)-USA, a US- based consortium.

GIA-USA was given the nod last year to partner the government when the operations of the distressed Ghana Airways was terminated after it had run into debts of several million of dollars through decades of unproductive services.

GIA-USA, as part of the deal, will also bring in expertise and modern aircraft to form the new airline.

It is in line with this partnership that GIA is expected to start its maiden operations in the ECOWAS sub-region in June this year. The airline will, however, begin operating internationally in October.

Documents made available to the Graphic indicated that GIA had been designated a “national carrier” by the Ministry of Road Transport to fly the national flag and it was currently awaiting its Aircraft Operating Certificate from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

According to the document, the GCAA gave the airline an Air Carrier Licence number 197 in December last year to enable it to operate in the country.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has also awarded it the three-letter designated code of “GHB” (Golf-Hotel-Bravo), while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had also awarded it the two-letter code “G0” (Golf-Zero) in the airline business.

According to a release issued in Accra last week, when the GIA commenced business, it would offer 12 weekly round-trip flights non-stop on the vital business routes between Accra and Lagos, as well as a 12 weekly round-trip flight non-stop between Accra and Abidjan.

In addition, the routes of Bamako, Ouagadougou, Banjul, Freetown and Monrovia would be plied six times each, while Dakar and Conakry would receive services four times weekly.

The Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of GIA, Mr Sean C. Mendis, said the airline was going to start its operations with two Boeing MD-90 aircraft which would later be increased to four within the year to ply the sub-regional routes, and another two Boeing 767-300ER to ply the intercontinental routes to Europe.

He said presently, GIA had a workforce of 27 who were putting the airline into shape and added that it would commence the employment of regular workers by next month.

On the issue of Ghana Airways staff, most of whom had been made redundant after the company was closed down, Mr Mendis said since the airline was a different entity from Ghana Airways, applications would be sought from interested staff who would want to work with the new airline

...... with credit to Ghanweb.com (as usual)

gac111

17th Apr 2005, 16:38

Courtesy http://www.aviationbusinessjournal.aero/journal/042005JL07.htm

Can Ghana International Airlines Fill The Vacuum?

Hopes are rising in Ghana over the advent of a new national carrier. The airline industry is passing through a phase - coming from the dreary experience of watching the gradual but cotinued fall of Ghana Airways, and now on to the virile and rising prospects of the Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIA).

GIA is an international consortium comprised of Ghanaian businessmen, World Transport Group based in the United Sates whose president is Mr. J. Ralph Atkin, the founder of SkyWest Airlines of the United States Inc., and Sentry Financial International also in United States. GIA emerged as the preferred choice in the Ghanaian Government’s quest for a private partner for a new national carrier, following the crumbling of Ghana Airways. A release from the GIA says “the new company will be used as a platform to raise new equity, debt and equipment financing of approximately US$55million for the new airline.” The GIA says it holds 30% of the new outfit while the Ghanaian Government owns 70%, but the “Government’s share will be shortly diluted to approximately 25%.”

And with the award of Air Carrier Licence (ACL) by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) , GIA is now allowed to commence scheduled international passenger and cargo operations. GIA, as the national carrier, also becomes the beneficiary of Ghana’s routes under bilateral air service agreements with 47 countries around the world.

While the Ghanaian Government has “appointed a task force to manage the orderly wind down of Ghana Airways’ operations, and also appointed PriceWaterhouseCoopers to advise it in the ring fencing of the debt of Ghana Airways, the new airline is already upbeat on arrangements for take-off. At the moment, the GIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. J. Ralph Atkin, says it has secured a 3-letter designator code of GHB given by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Besides this, GIA says it has received the code “G0” of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). GIA is now able to publish in Computer Reservation Systems, allowing travel agents in every corner of the world to view flight schedules for the new national airline’s flights to and from Accra. GIA is also in the process of acquiring Boeing 767-300ER and MD-90 aircraft with a goal of commencing flight operations during the summer of 2005.

The stage seems set for full operations as Mr. Atkin says the new airline would serve its customers a reliable “convenient schedule and higher frequency of flights between city pairs.” And he is enthusiastic about the new carrier’s commencement of flights, in mid 2005 to Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Bamako, Ouagadougou, Banjul, Conakry and Dakar. The airline specifies that it will have 12 weekly roundtrip flights non-stop on the vital business route between Accra and Lagos, as well as 12 weekly roundtrip flights non-stop between Accra and Abidjan in the summer. The flights on these routes, according to GIA, “will be conveniently timed with a choice of morning or evening departures and return flights to enable both business and leisure travellers to make best use of their valuable time.”

In the winter schedule, GIA plans to add non-stop service between Accra and London and between Accra and Düsseldorf, though Mr. Atkin thinks the flight to the United States might take much longer due to needed preparations. He further enthuses: “The new national airline will become a flag bearer for Ghana across Africa and indeed, across the world. Ghanaians everywhere will be proud of GIA.”

MD90 - one of the aircraft types that Ghana International Airlines plans to acquire when it launches its operations this summer.However, as the count-down to the take-off date progresses, there are traces of skepticism among observers who might be guaging the proposed airline’s commencement and/or survivability based on the failure of other would-have-been airlines in the continent. A source of cautious optimism among observers is the elusive commencement of Nigerian Eagle. Even now the new replacement for the Nigerian Eagle, Virgin Nigeria, postponed its take-off date from October 1, to a yet-to-be-announced date early 2005.

There are pressures on Ghanaian government by potential private operators for licences to fly on regional and intercontinental routes to the 47 countries Ghana has bilateral air services agreements with. Some of these have been granted, stirring optimism for improved choices among Ghanaian travellers. Local airlines in Ghana may well be asking of the GCAA the permission to fly the lucrative routes which the new national carrier is to savour. But until the new carrier starts flying, analysts believe it might be too early to posit how adequately it can satisfy the needs of air travellers in Ghana as a national carrier, or further still, if it should enjoy any form of exclusivity on major lucrative routes.

Gunship

26th Apr 2005, 11:53

Well some direction is forthcoming. Sean please employ them all hanging around at the airport mate :E
THE Ghana International Airline (GIA) has started the processes for the recruitment of staff for the commencement of its operations in June, this year.

The recruitment exercise will begin this week with the engagement of pilots, dispatchers and engineering staff.

The Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of GIA, Mr Sean Mendis, said in an interview that the GIA was on course and assured Ghanaians that everything was under control for the commencement of business.

The GIA-USA was given the nod last year to partner the government when the operations of the distressed Ghana Airways were terminated after it had run into debts of many millions of dollars as a result of decades of unproductive services.

GIA, which has been awarded an Air Carrier Licence number 19 by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is the national carrier that is to fly the national flag.

The Ghana International Airline (GIA-USA) which won the bid to revamp Ghana Airways is a US- based consortium formed purposely to partner the government in forming a new airline.

GIA has been awarded the three-letter designated code of “GHB” (Golf-Hotel-Bravo) by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), while the International Air Transport Association (IATA has awarded it the two-letter code “GO”(Golf-Zero in the airline business.

The GIA-USA has so far contributed $2.1 million as its 30 per cent shares in the airline, while the Government of Ghana, which has 70 per cent stake, has contributed $4.9 million for business to commence .

When it starts operating, GIA will offer 12 weekly round-trip flights non-stop on the vital business routes between Accra and Lagos, as well as a 12 weekly round-trip flight non-stop between Accra and Abidjan.

GIA will start its maiden operations in the ECOWAS sub-region with two Boeing MD-90 aircraft which would later be increased to four within the year to ply the sub-regional routes, and another two Boeing 767-300ER to ply the intercontinental routes to Europe in October, this year.

According to Mr Mendis, GIA “will be hiring from the marketplace the best and brightest employees we can find” and that details of the recruitment process for other positions, such as cabin crew, ticketing agents and office staff, will be made available later.

He said GIA was an entirely separate entity from Ghana Airways, adding that GIA “has not and will not be receiving any assets of Ghana Airways, including any employees”.

He therefore said that any qualified Ghanaian, resident or outside, interested in pursuing careers as pilots, dispatchers or engineering staff with the GIA could send their applications by May 31, to the Ghana International Airline, Attention: Recruitment, Private Mail Bag 78, Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana.

Montana

26th Apr 2005, 14:56

So, let me get this right, applications for jobs have to be in by 31May for an airline starting in June

It doesn't give a lot of time for the recruitment process or training does it?

Gunship

26th Apr 2005, 15:13

Hey Montana - this is Ghana, Africa ... we do things speedy here (do not always believe the bad press) :E

surely not

26th Apr 2005, 15:50

hey Gunss, my ctcts reckon it isn't going to happen this side of November......................... but then you are much closer to it all than I am so I believe you!

Gunship

26th Apr 2005, 16:02

Sorry my "lover of the red hard ball" friend.

It's Tuesday afternoon and I am sarcastic. Like in the slips you know - never know when that red hard ball comes at speed .. then again we won the Windies with an innings and 84 runs ...

Uhmm sorry back to flying ... :E

In Afrikaans we have a saying " Mag jou bokke wei waar dit reën"

Directly translated it means roughly : " May your goats graze where it rains "

Sadly I do not think it is raining over GIA this year although everyone wishes it to be ... :E

farmflyer

26th Apr 2005, 17:17

Hi folks!
Is there any chance for expats? In my case: JAR- ATP license
and B737- 300-800 rated with 5500 hrs on type (4000 PIC)?

Thanks!

Wizard

28th Apr 2005, 10:35

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=80191

Wizard

1st May 2005, 18:21

GIA’s Bombshell Admission Exposes Anane - see below

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=80371

Roads Transport Minister Lashes At Afra Airline Boss - see below

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=80367

Mormon-GIA taking food from mouth of Ghanaians - see below

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=80372

learr

2nd May 2005, 13:53

Ok, now anyone knows how to apply ????:confused:

Learr

gac111

2nd May 2005, 20:04

Read on ghanaweb that you have to send a resume and copy of license to a PO Box. A mate of mine is putting his in this week, will try and get the details.

Seaman Staines

5th May 2005, 00:25

WIZARD AKA LUKE NORMAN BUTLER

CONMAN & SOCIOPATH

How's things Flukey? Paid back anyone yet?

Investors in Afra Airlines wanting their money back now?

Coarse language edited. Keep your hat on Staines, your vitriol is bubbling over. 4HP

Geeezus....... what did I say that was coarse? :confused:
Solly.......

Seaman Staines

5th May 2005, 00:32

WIZARD aka LUKE NORMAN BUTLER

Do a search on pprune for Luke Butler

Enjoy!:O

Luke Butler, the Australian trouble-shooting aviation business tycoon who has survived purgatory in Brisbane courts and is still fending off brushes with business rivals,

:} :} :} :} Who writes this crap? Geezus!

Gunship

12th May 2005, 18:25

I think Press - Freedom might have gone too far ... :E

From the (now famous) GhanaWeb :

Kufuor's Son Owns 40% Of GIA

…Mr. President, is it true or false?

The NATIONAL DEMOCRAT wants President J.A. Kufuor to confirm or deny that 40% of Ghana International Airlines, (GIA) the company that is taking over Ghana Airways is owned by his son, Chief Kufuor.

The President should also confirm or deny the fact that an 88 plush residential apartment for his family members and friends is about to be put up in front of his house; the contract for the construction has been awarded to an Italian firm, Teraconni.

Last week, President Kufuor confirmed that the hotel structure in front of his residence was bought by his son, Chief Kufuor (the same son who owns 40% of GIA) but the NATIONAL DEMOCRAT can confirm that this is not true.

The building is in the name of Chief Kufuor but Chief is only fronting for his father, President Kufuor. President Kufuor owns that hotel!

As the NATIONAL DEMOCRAT has already stated, the negotiation for the purchase of the hotel structure was lead on his behalf by his alleged Iraqi concubine, Gizelle Yagzi and was bought at $3million after the reluctant owner, Anthony Saoud, was arm-twisted to sell it or face the NPP government’s wrath.

The Kufuor family is grabbing every major business deal in Ghana leaving what for Ghanaians? The greed of the family has seen some key NPP members lashing out at the President.

On the streets, in chop bars, churches and at hospitals and in homes, Ghanaians are beginning to speak out against the property grabbing family but it seems their complaint is falling on deaf ears as the family continues its property grabbing unabated. More later.

gen3

13th May 2005, 11:13

:} Surely Gunzzz, you don't beliee everything you readin the news??? guess that's why you have your opening statement...:}

Nonskeddude

24th May 2005, 06:36

After working in various West African countries and even working for GHA for a time I can honestly say nothing surprises me that surfaces in the print media ...although most of it is mostly the truth ... I swear some of the columnists must sit with a stack of dictionaries and thesauruses to come up with the novels they write .....

1000 Cedi (or 50,000 Naira) says GIA never ever starts up :p

gen3

24th May 2005, 17:21

Nonskeddude, 1,000 Cedis is really nothing, if indeed you mean the equivalent of 50,000 Naira....ask anyone who knows what pertains out there, or check www.xe.com . you must've left the coast a while ago. put something weightier on the wager, man!! :cool: ;)

surely not

24th May 2005, 18:47

Approx 250 Naira to the GBP, or 16,000 cedi to the GBP on my last visit to Ghana

gac111

22nd Jul 2005, 00:31

Mate of mine in Lagos says that he saw a GIA team sniffing around with the NAHCO people there this week.

Gunship

22nd Jul 2005, 07:04

gac111 : Either they are finally getting off the ground or the pedophile ring is scouting out new locations to set up.

That is rather a tough statement to make mate ... you call the new partners / owners / businessmen in YOUR country (that YOUR leaders chose) pedophiles ?

Any witnesses ? Any Proof ?

Rough one mate ... I for one will no take an acusation like that lightly ! :mad:

gac111

22nd Jul 2005, 20:44

Info was a load of kak.

soups

25th Jul 2005, 16:06

service daily to London is still being reviewed. G0 have daily slots to LHR and LGW. G0 need to determine which market will better serve us and our partners.
If the UK grants certain considerations to a UK carrier G0 may do both. One on Oct 29 the other starting March 15 2006 with double daily service an AM and PM departure.

Service to the USA should be announced later this week to commence on Oct 29. (Service will be with a B763 with 228 seats) (Believed to come from ET ADD-ACC-USA???)

Service to Lagos should be announced mid week to commence next week.

Codeshare flights are due to commence Aug 1 and should be announced late this week to mid next week. (ADD-ACC looks like an option to me)
Unconfirmed source is that Virgin Altantic looking to fly LON-ACC

Service to Europe will commence Oct 29 and be announced next week.(Initially 752 with 2 classes 170 seats, then 763 with 228 seats)

The opening of the new offices at Silver Star Tower is scheduled to occur Aug 15.

gac111

25th Jul 2005, 16:58

Soups your credibility is zero on this issue.

Gunship

25th Jul 2005, 17:58

gac111 I see you carry hatred mate ...

You quote all these links from Neil Robertson and we all know wha t sick person he is / was.

Why do you continiously keep downgrading the Mormons (and as Mormon's) ?

I mean if you where Muslim nobody refers to you as Gac111 the Muslim / Christian with his Muslim / Christian buddies ... surely he can be a Mormon if he wants to ... has he been caught / convicted of paedophilic behaviour / acts ?

Not as far as your links show .. so as I said before ... thin ice mate ... thin ice ...

Gunship

25th Jul 2005, 21:26

gac111 - I have your original post ... interesting that you edited it 1 hour later ... I am sure soups would be quite interested what you had whiped out about him :E:E:E

Do you need my bank account ? :E

Soups your credibility is zero on this issue.

[Last edited by gac111 on 25th July 2005 at 18:00]

InitRef

25th Jul 2005, 23:07

gac111 I see you carry hatred mate ...

You quote all these links from Neil Robertson and we all know wha t sick person he is / was.

Why do you continiously keep downgrading the Mormons (and as Mormon's) ?

I am not gac111 but guns - it appears that you met the GIAL guys...

BUT, ask yourself this - why is it that a group of Mormons raised a bit of money, and put two guys - AC Vitale and Sean Mendis (who are not Mormons - I grant you) in charge of setting up operations for a major airline - when neither of them have ANY experience!!!

AC Vitale was running Chalk Airways - check them out - http://www.chalksoceanairways.com/

Sean Mendis defended that sicko Neil Robertson vigorously on airliners.net and on his airwhiners.net website. Danny Fyne registered and posted on both to rebut some of the nonsense Sean Mendis was spouting. Sean Mendis 'acute" business acumen is such that he even stated on various internet forums that he "vetted" NDR's business plan for buying those DL L1011s and pronounced them as sound plans!!!

Also, if Sean Mendis is so busy setting up an airline in Africa, and drinking plenty of beer in ACC, he has plenty of time playing moderator on Flyertalk.com, getting repeatedly banned on airliners.net for antagonizing people, and running his own airwhiners.net forum for teenage aviation anoraks to post abusive language? When was the last time you saw a Special Asst to the CEO posting so prolifically on Internet bulletin boards - espp one that is so late starting ops compared to earlier promises?
when you read this it appears that GIAL money is being used very well!!!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=451350
B747-437B is Sean Mendis' username on those forums.

You mean Ghana couldn't find 2 people with mgmt experience with an airline that operated at least some kind of jet? Hard to believe!!!

Gunship

26th Jul 2005, 06:50

Initref : I am not gac111 but guns - it appears that you met the GIAL guys...

Lo Initref.

I simple search would reveal that I made no bones about the fact that I met Sean and Al. Never have - never will deny it.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=175326&highlight=Sean+Mendis (post 3)

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=174225&highlight=Sean+Mendis (various posts)

I am also drinkin gplenty of beer .. also setting up a company and have no problems with the guys.

I have read (but not seen it) about Sean Mendis covering for the Guv. Wel lif so .. so be it at least I can say I might have added 5 or 10 years to his life sentence :E So we will clearly see if Sean drinks beer with me again.

Gents I am not covering up ... I am just gently hinting at "watch what you say here".

Make sure you do not destroy a life incorrectly before posting bad stories like this - all I am asking.

By what I have heard and read Sean Mendis / The Guv / Luke Butler etc has always made no bones about the fact who they are ...

So why do some of you hide behind a username ? What do you have to hide :E

Just checking ..

gac111

26th Jul 2005, 13:40

Gunship mate, my information in that post turned out to be bull**** and I'll admit that. The guy who provided it tried to feed me some other crap that I knew was not true and that made me doubt all of it. Can't trust these ex-Ghana Airways boys now it seems they all have chips on their shoulders against GIA. Are you the guy at KIA who does the stuff for FJE and AEU? How are you linked to Mendis? I hear he has been seen with you a lot at the gates.

InitRef, I read the stuff Mendis posts at airliners and he is definitely more competent than most of the kiddies that frequent that joint. His taste in friends is another story but at least he was open about it. Gunship is right, if you want to start unveiling people don't hide behind your own username.

**** this all, Flukey is on the lam and thats one good thing for Ghana. Lets wait and see what GIA does before we hang them too.

InitRef

26th Jul 2005, 15:36

InitRef, I read the stuff Mendis posts at airliners and he is definitely more competent than most of the kiddies that frequent that joint. His taste in friends is another story but at least he was open about it. Gunship is right, if you want to start unveiling people don't hide behind your own username.

jac - I am not unveiling people - Information about Mendis is public domain on various internet bulletin boards and posted by him - so I am not spreading anything that is either unverifiable or inaccurate.

As such I don't see any problem posting anonymously.

How do you define Mendis as "competent"? That he has a lot of knowledge of Air India operations from his cabin crew parents? detail knowledge of Frequent flyer programs that he is a member of? Anorak-level interest in schedules and route authorities that are also either public domain - or available through GDS?
Yes - definitely.

But competent airline executive with ANY experience in scheduled carrier ops? No.
Same for AC Vitale.

Gunship

26th Jul 2005, 15:36

Lo gac111,

As previously discussed I am linked to Mr Sean Mendis to the mutual liking of beer.

Since day one he told me that we will not be doing business together and that is fine.

So I enjoy a beer with him talking sh*t. (what grown up's do) ... no kiddies / Bibles / even woman envolved ... promise :E

Cheers

Gunsss

TimS

5th Aug 2005, 03:06

Just read this (on Ghanaweb) ....

Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - Management of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Wednesday said Ghana International Airlines (GIA) is yet to apply for an Air Operators Certification (AOC) to enable it to begin operations. He said AOC is part of the International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) requirement that an airline needs to satisfy before it can even start selling tickets, let alone fly.

An official of GCAA told the GNA that for an airline to qualify for that operational certificate, it must have gone through series of certification, which would take about three months or more to complete, depending on the readiness of that airline. He said the certification process, which is carried out by GCAA, include the airworthiness of the aircraft to be used, airlines crew licence offices, as well as its management personnel.

According to the official, an operator going through a certification process without an aircraft could approach GCAA, who could give the airline an operators permit to wit lease an aircraft from another certified operator to start its operation. "Even if GIA wants to code share with another existing airline, GCAA must ensure that the existing airlines must have satisfied all ICAO requirements". He said at a meeting with officials of GIA this afternoon, it came to light that GIA has never sold a single ticket to any passenger as being reported in the media. "GIA could therefore, not have started operations as reported in the Media".

..... what is happening over there, I have rather lost touch with my old stamping grounds and any (casual interest only I stress) enquiries I make of old contacts say they have heard/seen nothing.

It would appear likely that by the time (if) GIA get going there will be nothing left for them as more and more people pick up the remaining bits of what was GH ?

TimS

Gunship

5th Aug 2005, 07:41

Lo Tim,

This was posted by SOUPS a week or two ago : Maybe of help. I have not even had a joke from SM lately - maybe they moved / are moving to the Star Towers. (When I last saw it I though it would not be ready before year - end) ?

service daily to London is still being reviewed. G0 have daily slots to LHR and LGW. G0 need to determine which market will better serve us and our partners.
If the UK grants certain considerations to a UK carrier G0 may do both. One on Oct 29 the other starting March 15 2006 with double daily service an AM and PM departure.

Service to the USA should be announced later this week to commence on Oct 29. (Service will be with a B763 with 228 seats) (Believed to come from ET ADD-ACC-USA???)

Service to Lagos should be announced mid week to commence next week.

Codeshare flights are due to commence Aug 1 and should be announced late this week to mid next week. (ADD-ACC looks like an option to me)
Unconfirmed source is that Virgin Altantic looking to fly LON-ACC

Service to Europe will commence Oct 29 and be announced next week.(Initially 752 with 2 classes 170 seats, then 763 with 228 seats)

The opening of the new offices at Silver Star Tower is scheduled to occur Aug 15.

ChiefT

5th Aug 2005, 07:43

Use the search tool.

My personal opinion: Another big fake from people, which have no clue about the African aviation market!

Took money (royalties belonging to Ghana Airways or its remains) and never investet a single Cedi of their own money.

No AOC, No license, No aircraft, No GIA!

I am angry, that the government supports such people giving them the money of the Ghanaian people!

Same with Apstar!

Gunship

5th Aug 2005, 14:11

Ahhhhh ... "Sources" ... not soups :E tells me that the GIA pilot interviews are in full swing as I type this .... :hmm: :hmm:

surely not

5th Aug 2005, 19:06

To fly what Gunss? Not much point having pilots if you haven't got an AOC or an aircraft.

Gunship

6th Aug 2005, 06:54

The negotiations might be in full swing on that topic as well as far as we know ;)

ChiefT

8th Aug 2005, 10:00

Possibly they swing their balls, but negotiations for aircraft in swing? Which type of aircraft? If pilots are already in negotiations - for which type of aircraft?

All really professional!

Gunship

9th Aug 2005, 09:31

:ok: Well GIA is moving ...

Civil Aviation issues operating permit to GIA

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued an operating permit to the Ghana International Airlines (GIA) to code-share the Accra-Lagos-Accra route with Ethiopian Airline and Lufthansa and the Accra-Amsterdam-Accra route with KLM.

A statement in Accra on Monday, signed by Nii Adumansa-Baddo, Acting Director-General of GCAA, expressed appreciation that GIA was undergoing certification to qualify for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to enable the Airlines to start operations, including flights to the United States.

The impression that GIA had not commenced the certification process as at August fourth this year was not correct, GCAA stated and said discussions for the purpose were in progress.

Link (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=87580)

Gunship

9th Aug 2005, 09:44

So here we go ... GIA reveals some routes ... no pilot's and a/c needed .. ? Code Share ?

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued an operating permit to the Ghana International Airlines (GIA) to code-share the Accra-Lagos-Accra route with Ethiopian Airline and Lufthansa and the Accra-Amsterdam-Accra route with KLM.

surely not

9th Aug 2005, 10:08

Where is the quote from Guns?? and starting when??

Gunship

9th Aug 2005, 10:10

Morning mate (tx for the ignore) :E:E:E

Here yah go .. date ? Dunno .. ;) (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=87580)

surely not

9th Aug 2005, 10:15

What ignore???

Never saw you today on MSN :O

I thought that to coe share both parties actually had to be AOC authorised airlines? How are GIA getting around this?

I hope the GCAA have sent their inspectors to audit Ethiopian and Lufthansa operations.

Cheers matey.:D

Gunship

9th Aug 2005, 10:24

Surely not ... i am sure they would have mate.

As far as I know they had a paid "holiday" to Bulgaria .. courtesy of the Bearded Wizard / Nigeria airline :E:E:E

Have a good one (without me ... till this weekend) ;)

Cheers,

Gunsss

ChiefT

9th Aug 2005, 13:14

Other aviation investors are waiting months 'til they get their AOC, but GIA makes it in days! What a f...... bulsh..!

No own aircraft, no own operation, no capable management but obviousy lots of supporters in the Ghanaian administration.

Hmm, money makes the world go around and it makes wonders happen in Ghana

Gunship

11th Aug 2005, 11:07

From the GIA web site :

GIA gets operating permit

Ghana Civil Aviation Authority on Monday August 8, 2005 issued Ghana International Airlines (GIA) an operating permit to code-share with Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa on the Accra-Lagos-Accra route and with KLM on the Accra-Amsterdam-Accra routes respectively.

The impression that GIA had not commernced certification process as of August 4, 2005 is incorrect since the airline was issued an Air Carrier's Licence (ACL) on December 31, 2004.

GCAA notes with appreciation that GIA is currently undergoing certification process for the grant of an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) to enable it commence full-scale operations, including flights to the United States.

Issued by:
Ag. Director-General
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority

The Link (http://www.gcaa.com.gh/gia.htm)

soups

11th Aug 2005, 21:01

GIA is interviewing pilots at the moment 11pm-5pm..
Hey Gunz Any idea what the MD80 of Air Luxor of egypt was doing parked near North American 767 on sunday morning? maybe thats the a/c to G0? they said its a MD90S tho.. myabe just a charter

Gunship

12th Aug 2005, 06:45

Morning Soups,

Last I saw Afriqiyah used an Air Luxor MD 80.

They have a Sunday flight so maybe ?

Cheers

Gunss

soups

12th Aug 2005, 10:39

the MD80 was spotted at 6am. 8U flies into ACC between 9-11pm (depending on which days) and departs 11pm-1am.
is fotography allowed at the airport? or even outside the airport perimiter (Spintex road) as i am always told off :*

ChiefT

29th Sep 2005, 16:04

Heard a rumour and I am looking for confirmation:

GIA will start on 29.10 with a b757 from the USA.

soups

29th Sep 2005, 22:47

The A/C is coming from Ryan International Airlines. it will be flying daily service to Gatwick and tickets starting (Introductory fare) of $$380 return!!!
From 30dec they will swapping the 757 to a 767.
at the moment the a.c got 3 more days with its current operator then it will be on its way to Arizona for painting... configuration.... they will have the biggest seat pitch on any Accra-Europe flights (Schedule) :-)
GO Ghana International Airlines

ChiefT

30th Sep 2005, 08:36

Interesting. Do you know, where the B767 will come from?

How many seats will the 757 have?

ChiefT

17th Dec 2005, 08:49

Just wondered, how GO is doing? A daily rotation to LON seems very much.

What are the next steps for them?

SSV763

18th Dec 2005, 20:05

G0 are doing very well, the flight from ACC arrives in LGW every day on time and the clean, crisp colour scheme on the B757 looks great!

There are consistantly high loads and good yeilds. The airline is making money and why shouldn't they, have you seen their F/A's? Hot indeed!

ChiefT

20th Dec 2005, 09:31

Ok, nice looking aircraft and F/As are an dvantage, but dioes not pay anybody.

Any passeneger figures per flight?

Montana

20th Dec 2005, 11:45

Good point ChiefT. Loads have been about 40 to 50 pax per flight which is not great at all. Christmas loads are better but then they should be.

I think their main problem is putting an additional 2240 seats per week between the UK and Ghana and the market cannot sustain it. They would be much better off by flying 3 or 4 times per week to the UK and flying on other days to DUS or FRA or FCO.

soups

21st Dec 2005, 10:50

i flew on G0 LGW-ACC 18december excellent service one of the best african airlines i flown with. i am flying with them on
ACC-LGW 2jan
LGW-ACC 5Jan
ACC-LGW 10th jan

i will be putting some trip reports an Airliners.net soon i will forward a link to here

my flight was full with just 2 empty seats in Y class and business class full.

ChiefT

21st Dec 2005, 11:57

50 pax per day? So they are shifting a lot of air between ACC and LON! And the side effect is,that they burn lots of money every day!

Gunship

21st Dec 2005, 13:07

All airlines from West Africa to Europe are full right now Soups ...

soups

24th Dec 2005, 10:59

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/trip_reports/read.main/69213/

As promised the trip report

Gunship

24th Dec 2005, 11:41

All airlines from West Africa to Europe are full right now Soups ...

Should have added ... if you are not full you have a problem.

8U and AEU full the past week on every flight.

FJE missed out ... or shall I rather say their tickets sellers are ...

soups

24th Dec 2005, 13:10

i was trying to gte a seat on 5W (begining jan) and prices were 410£ each way + taxes!!!

Gunship

26th Dec 2005, 13:33

i was trying to gte a seat on 5W (begining jan) and prices were 410£ each way + taxes!!!

Sowwyyy ... it is Silly Season mate :E

Also pocket time for some :ok:

SSV763

26th Dec 2005, 14:15

http://www.airliners.net/discussion...ead.main/69213/

As promised the trip report

Very good to read posotive things about G0 first hand. I'd say they are an upcoming African airline.

Merry Christmas

ChiefT

28th Jan 2006, 14:27

soups

28th Jan 2006, 22:35

Heard some rumours from well informed sources, that G0 will ask for additional money from the government. Talk is about 10 to 15 Mio USD.
Pax figures showd an average utilisation of less than 50 passengers per flight.
G0 = money burners?
i flew G0 on 4 occasions (soon 6) 3 out of my 4 flights had a 90%+ load. i believe they are struggling with filling the plane from London.
i believe that they only sell their tickets at a few travel agents in London and not via other travel agenst like Thomas cook or via the net like opodo, last minute

wannabe-aviator

29th Jan 2006, 01:26

Hello Soups

How much is a Return Flight between London and Accra on GAI.

regards
WA

soups

29th Jan 2006, 08:05

Hello Soups
How much is a Return Flight between London and Accra on GAI.
regards
WA

christmas was £540 while the other cheapest option was BA with £1800
the other one was in january costed £490 while the pther cheapest option was KL with £890

Montana

30th Jan 2006, 11:48

ChiefT - I also heard they were going back to the Government for more money and the pax figures you state are correct. Will the Ghana Government hand them any more, given their business model is fundamentally flawed?

oneeyed

2nd Feb 2006, 23:20

I seriously doubt it - as we hear the the Government is looking at some other options already. Yet, on the other hand - you never know - this is Africa after all and the Ghanaian Government has made numerous summersaults before it finally arrived at Ghana International. Well don o:ok:

wannabe-aviator

3rd Feb 2006, 13:19

christmas was £540 while the other cheapest option was BA with £1800
the other one was in january costed £490 while the pther cheapest option was KL with £890

Hello Soups

Many Thanks for this info, are the prices mentioned Business or First class as they seem a little Extortionet (Probably i didnt spell it correctly).
I look forward to your clarification.

regards
WA

InitRef

3rd Feb 2006, 15:42

... given their business model is fundamentally flawed?

What exactly is their business model - not being funny- serious question?

A while back Mr Vitale of GIA had said:
- MD90 for West African routes
- 767 for long-haul
- best capitalized startup in West African history
- routes to US, EU, partnership with established airline alliances
- "number of innovations" to compete with the market
- business plan vetted by SH&E...
and that's about it...

any more? - I only see the lone Ryan(?) 757 to Gatwick, new CEO, and news about a new office?

gac111

5th Feb 2006, 06:30

http://www.accra-mail.com/mailnews.asp?id=15401
Ghana International Airlines (GIA), Ghana's new National Carrier is poised at providing travel services to destinations in the West African Region as early as Easter.
GIA plans to open routes in seven West African cities - Abuja, Freetown, Dakar Monrovia, Banjul, Lagos and Abidjan.
The addition of West African destinations to GIA's Accra London route is part of the Airline's vision of making Ghana the West African hub.
"The Hub will give the West Africa traveling public better routes to their destinations via our safe and on time flights, "said Brian Presbury, Chief Executive Officer of GIA.
The creation of the Regional hub also will make Accra an optimal location for GIA to establish its Regional maintenance operations.
GIA has been providing safe, affordable and on time service to the traveling public since its inaugural flight to London Gatwick in October last year.
In a related development, to execute the new strategic direction that Airlines has taken, Phil Mwakitawa, has joined GIA, he served in Kenya Airlines (GIA) as Vice President, Commercial. Until he joined GIA, he served in Kenya Airways in various capacities as; Country Manager for Malawi, Head of Network Planning, Alliances and Partners and Acting Commercial Director.
The Airline on the other hand has relieved of duty Albert Vitale who was until recently was the airline's Vice President for Operations.

InitRef

6th Feb 2006, 20:45

thanks gac111 - interesting link!

Does this mean that Mr Vitale is going back to FL to work at Chalk? or is he still involved with GIA?

Any idea what aircraft for the West Africa routes?

TimS

9th Feb 2006, 13:47

Another press release, c/o Ghanaweb .......

GIA - 100th flight, 12,000 passangers

Ghana International Airlines (GIA), the country’s new national carrier, has stated that the airline has since its inaugural flight established a reputation for higher value and on-time performance.

The airline which has seen the 100th flight since its inauguration in October last year, operates a daily non-stop flight between Accra and London’s Gatwick airport.

A statement issued in Accra by the airline said GIA had transported over 12,000 passengers since its inception, treating them to a product that combined traditional Ghanaian hospitality with modern safety and performance standards, the release stated.

“Our safety, affordable and on-time services are proof that we are fulfilling the core mission of providing the highest standards of services that our passengers value,” the release quoted the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Brian Presbury, as saying.

The airline also announced plans to start serving other routes in West Africa, starting from Easter.

“The addition of West African destinations to GIA’s Accra-London route is part of the airline’s vision of making Ghana the West African hub,” the statement said, adding that it would offer the West African travelling public better routes to their destinations.

Montana

9th Feb 2006, 16:55

Daily flight since last October, so that would be 100 return flights (or 200 sectors.) 60 pax per sector on average then

Globaliser

9th Feb 2006, 16:58

It's on their website (http://www.fly-ghana.com/p9hundredflightsontime.shtml), too.

It's 100 flights "from Accra to London Gatwick", and I think it's been about 100 days since schedule change day at the end of October.

If the aircraft has 160 seats (16 + 144 (http://www.fly-ghana.com/ourfleet.shtml)), then that's 32000 seat trips flown. 12000 pax = 37.5% average LF. I do hope that the trend over that period has been upwards.

gac111

9th Feb 2006, 23:41

Did they really achieve 100% On-Time? Impressive to see an African carrier keep that kind of reliability.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200602090246.html
Ghana's new national carrier, Ghana International Airlines (GIA), is celebrating its 100 non-stop flight since it commenced operations late last year.
It also achieved an unprecedented 100% on-time record for arrivals at London Gatwick in January 2006. Every single GIA fight during the month of January landed at London Gatwick either on time or early, allowing the airline to claim the top position for punctuality from among the hundreds of worldwide airlines operating into the UK. GIA commenced its daily flights into London in October 2005 and has quickly established a reputation for fantastic value and on time performance. The airline has transported over 12,000 satisfied passengers since its inception, treating them to a product that combines traditional Ghanaian hospitality with modern safety and performance standards.
"The only acceptable on-time measure for us is 100%, and we are proud of our team members who have worked to achieve this on-time performance" said Brain Presbury, Chief Executive Officer of GIA.

ChiefT

10th Feb 2006, 07:54

No, the on-time performance is not only their job; the aircraft is chartered from Ryan International, so the US Guys make the ball rollin

Globaliser

10th Feb 2006, 08:15

Did they really achieve 100% On-Time? Impressive to see an African carrier keep that kind of reliability.Well, all the data is publicly available here (http://www.lhr-lgw.co.uk/gatwick/janlgwindex.html), so I doubt that there can have been much, if any, spin put on it.

Montana

10th Feb 2006, 08:26

The Ryan aircraft is due to go back at the end of the winter season, anyone know where GIA are going to get the replacement from?

Montana

10th Feb 2006, 13:09

Can't comment on the claimed 100% on time arrival at LGW performance, because LGW does not publish arrival stats. The on time departure figures for GIA are less impressive. 44.8% left within 15 mins of STD (placing them 34th out of 36 scheduled service carriers at LGW). 96.6% left within an hour of STD (20th out of 36 on this criteria)

streetcar 1

18th Feb 2006, 15:34

does anybody know what happened to the ghana airways DC10 in rome?:{

soups

18th Feb 2006, 16:10

does anybody know what happened to the ghana airways DC10 in rome?:{
S-R-A-P and possibly the DC9 and DC10 sitting in ACC. antrack bought 2 ex GH DC9. GH now have 1 dc10 and 1 DC9 in ACC and i believe they currently being sold

gac111

19th Feb 2006, 18:47

Well, all the data is publicly available here (http://www.lhr-lgw.co.uk/gatwick/janlgwindex.html), so I doubt that there can have been much, if any, spin put on it.
It appears that GIAs streak has ended. The major radio stations in Accra yesterday had reports that GIA's departure was delayed by a few hours. Anybody know the reason?

dalflyer

4th Mar 2006, 13:15

Does anyone have intel on this outfit and the current terms being offered. I've been asked to come for an interview but I'm wondering if it's even worth the trip from the US.

Thanks

Dal

gac111

5th Mar 2006, 12:07

Lots of rumours float around about this outfit. Originally funded by people having dodgy dealings with the Mormon church and ties to convicted paedophiles.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=81176

Government seems to have cleaned house though and kicked out the questionable folks mentioned in the article above. New CEO is Brian Presbury who did some good stuff when he headed up KQ back in the day. Bunch of ex-KQ people jumping ship to Ghana lately on the commercial and technical side.

Mate of mine flew them LGW-ACC over the hols and says that the flights were packed, bang on time and the hosties were some nice eye-candy. Can't go too wrong with that formula.

Globaliser

5th Mar 2006, 13:12

Does anyone have intel on this outfit ...I make no claims about the veracity of any of the information posted on this earlier thread (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=208607), but I think it's the most recent previous thread here on this airline.

hborn

6th Mar 2006, 18:57

Hello Dal,

I am in Europe a bit far away, so all I know is that Ghana International seems to work much more reliable and on regular economical rules compared to the old GH.

If you check their website www.fly-ghana.com

you´ll see, they are currently not looking for flight deck crew.

Hope that will help.

All the best
hborn

ChiefT

7th Mar 2006, 07:22

[QUOTE=hborn
... Ghana International seems to work much more reliable and on regular economical rules compared to the old GH.
[/QUOTE]

Keeping in Mind that they have chartered the aircraft, it is the operating airline Ryan International which is doing a good job. Ghana International has NO own operation so far

gac111

7th Mar 2006, 08:19

Keeping in Mind that they have chartered the aircraft, it is the operating airline Ryan International which is doing a good job. Ghana International has NO own operation so far

It takes more than just an AOC to run an airline ChiefT. Ground handling and the other stuff also has to be co-ordinated for ontime flying and in that respect the GIA girls at KIA are making GHACO sit up and take notice. Sure, they are using a wetlease but credit where credit due.

Montana

7th Mar 2006, 12:02

UK airport stats show GIA's load factors as:-

Dec05 48%
Jan06 48%
Feb06 41%

ChiefT

10th Mar 2006, 07:47

It takes more than just an AOC to run an airline ChiefT. Ground handling and the other stuff also has to be co-ordinated for ontime flying and in that respect the GIA girls at KIA are making GHACO sit up and take notice. Sure, they are using a wetlease but credit where credit due.

@gac111: Fully agree with you!
But the reliability in the flight operations is a major factor, but the ground crew has to deliver performance too in order to deliver an on-time product to the client, yes.

ChiefT

10th Mar 2006, 07:48

UK airport stats show GIA's load factors as:-
Dec05 48%
Jan06 48%
Feb06 41%

48% in DEC! Such a low load factor during high season? Well ladies and gentlemen, draw your conclusions...

gac111

17th Mar 2006, 14:53

Pension fund agrees to invest $20m in GIA

News in Accra is reporting that GIA has reached a deal with the SSNIT Pension Fund to invest $20m in the airline to fund its expansion plans.

gac111

17th Mar 2006, 14:56

The second batch of cabin crew for Ghana international Airlines (GIA), Ghana's new national carrier, graduated this week. The course group of 28 will compliment the crew presently servicing the Accra-London route as the airline opens up new routes in other destinations this year.

http://www.accra-mail.com/mailnews.asp?id=15927

ChiefT

5th Apr 2006, 13:21

Ghana International Airline grounded
Ghana International Airlines (GIA), has reportedly been forced to cancel a flight from London to Accra.

This was after a lease company, Ryan International refused to operate the flight, demanding the payment of millions of dollars owed it by the new national carrier.

Following the cancellation of the flight, passengers in Accra and London were checked into hotels.

GIA’s vice-president in charge of public affairs, Sam Crabbe, told a local radio station that there is no crisis. H said the flight from London had been merely delayed

Source: Ghana Web

Globaliser

6th Apr 2006, 00:06

This was mentioned in a thread (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=220400) on the Airlines etc. forum. The second post said:-Inbound flight was delayed due to fuel shortage in Accra. Aircraft then missed its slot due to french ATC strike.

Finally, pax rioted on board and assaulted crew - so police had to be called.

Flight is cancelled and pax are put up at the Hilton and rebooked for tomorrow.Don't know any other corroboration at present.

Globaliser

6th Apr 2006, 11:26

Reported in the Daily Graphic (http://www.graphicghana.info/article.asp?artid=11436) (?):-Ghana International Airline Denies Reports

(4/6/2006)

Officials of Ghana International Airline (GIA) have denied reports that a delay in its flight schedule last Monday was the result of the airline being indebted to Ryan International, an aircraft leasing company.

According to them, the delay was caused by shortage of aviation fuel at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) on Monday night (April 3), which subsequently delayed other activities of the airline, both at Gatwick and in Accra.

The Vice-President of Corporate and Public Affairs of the GIA, Mr Sammy Crabbe, who denied the reports, said although GIA, like any other business entity, owed some of its creditors, that did not cause the delay in its flight schedule.

He added that because the Monday flight was delayed in Accra, it affected that of Gatwick, in the end affecting the food served on the flights. Therefore, the caterers had to prepare another food which also delayed the flight.

Mr Crabbe also made it known that the delay was further compounded by an air traffic control problem in France, which needed to be sorted out before the plane could fly over that destination.

The Head of Corporate Affairs of the GIA, Mr Kwaku Kwafo Apeadu, who is currently in London trying to salvage the situation, said by the contract the GIA signed with Ryan International, it paid almost $1.3 million every month for the leased Boeing 757-200, which it had used on the Accra-Gatwick-Accra route daily since its inception on October 29, 2005.

He said GIA ensured that it paid the amount at the beginning of every month and had so far paid $400,000 for this month (April) and would pay the remaining $900,000 by the end of this week.

...

BCal1963

7th Apr 2006, 00:59

Looks like the airline has ceased operations.

Their check-in counters at Gatwick were deserted on Thursday with a strong police presence. Passengers were being directed to the Virgin Nigeria desks to be reaccomodated.

Another African carrier bites the dust. Sad, because this one seemed to be pretty decent based upon passenger comments.

ChiefT

7th Apr 2006, 07:00

@BCal1963:

What have we learnded: "Fuel Shortage". Only a fuel shortage.
Who fuels this airline? ;-D

soups

7th Apr 2006, 07:33

today at LGW:
07:10 G0101 ACCRA LANDED 0633
Today flight landed before schedule at Gatwick

Today departure still schedules to go ahead

11:25 G0100 ACCRA South Terminal
11:45 5W093 ACCRA North Termina

Captain Volmer

7th Apr 2006, 08:29

Hello soups ,
I wouild like to know,please, how is the life in Ghana .House for rent , food and so on.
Thanks

Montana

7th Apr 2006, 12:32

BCal1963 - I understand this is a rumour forum but your posting on this matter is deplorable. GIA operated yesterday and today. If you are going to make fundamental statements such as an airline going out of business then you must at least base them on some fact. A simple check such as looking at the BAA website departures board would have shown how wrong you are

soups

7th Apr 2006, 13:20

a check not only at Gatwick webisute but Also Accra airport webiste shows that the flight is taking of and landing on time.
He is a anti-GIA GET HIM lol

gac111

8th Apr 2006, 14:52

From Ghanaweb.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=102333
There was confusion at the offices of Ghana International Airlines when officials believed to be from the castle attempted to lock out the Chief Executive Officer Brian Presbury(pictured) in what appears to be disagreements over who controls the national carrier.
The Silver Star offices of the airline were besieged by a large crowd in the ensuing melee until Police personnel subsequently brought the situation under control.

InitRef

10th Apr 2006, 15:59

Sacked???
Four top executives, comprising the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Brain Presbury, the Vice-President, Operations, Mr Sammy Crabbe, the Special Assistant to the CEO, Mr Sean Mendis, and the Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr K. K. Apeadu, were summarily dismissed.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=102408

Flightrider

11th Apr 2006, 14:57

Today's flight ex LGW is at least four hours late, apparently due to no fuel at LGW due to no payment.

Globaliser

11th Apr 2006, 19:09

Today's flight ex LGW is at least four hours late, apparently due to no fuel at LGW due to no payment.As far as I could tell from the BAA website, scheduled 1125, out 1615, off 1628. (But nothing as to the reason, of course.)

IronWalt

11th Apr 2006, 19:21

Oh Brother,

Well I guess all is NORMAL in the African Business World.

TimS

12th Apr 2006, 10:10

and the latest 'press' development (Ghanaweb) .....

The American shareholders in Ghana International Airlines have filed a writ at an Accra High Court in an attempt to reverse the purported dismissal of the airlines chief executive, Brian Presbury.
The writ names the Attorney General, Ghana International Airlines and the Chief of Staff as respondents.

GIA-US, which owns a 30-percent stake in the airline, is unhappy with the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Mr. Presbury.

The lawyer for GIA-US, Kwame Acheampong says they want the Chief of Staff to stop meddling in the daily affairs of the airline since government has already appointed members on the board.

“We are seeking an interim injunction on the Chief of Staff and Presidential Affairs from interfering with the management of the GIAL because he is not a board member and a shareholder.

We are saying that government has appointed people to the board of GIAL and they act for government so this every now and then interference from the Chief of Staff must be restrained by the court,” he said.

..... my local sources tell me that there is a lot more grief going to happen over the coming days.

TimS

TimS

18th Apr 2006, 10:28

As promised ... more grief (c/o Ghanaweb) .....

GIA incurs $4million debt
The national carrier, Ghana International Airlines (GIA) has run into a debt of some $4million just within its 17 months of operation.

According to the Independent newspaper, apart from the frightening debt portfolio it stumbled on some interesting details which bother on everything that went wrong with the defunct national carrier, Ghana Airways.

The Brian Presbury-led GIA management, which can make some previous management that helped to run Ghana Airways to the ground green with envy, include the appointment of Brian Presbury as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIA who until that appointment was acting Chief Financial Officer without reference to the board and the abuse of travel by personnel for the purposes of per diem.

Some top management personnel have formed many companies which have been used as suppliers or service providers to the airline which is currently under investigation.

The companies under investigations are Unger Oakes Corporation, Mary Greenslade Information Systems, AOS or AOA Services, Elex Human Resources and Argent Resources among others.

Another issue which is contentious is the retention of unqualified workforce in some cases, girlfriends of some people in the top hierarchy of the airline.

According to the Independent newspaper another issue under investigation is the circumstances that forced certain qualified and technically-minded staff to leave the airline in situations that have been described as interesting.

Those who started with the company but had to leave, the investigations unearthed, are former CEO J.Ralph Atkin, Vice President in charge of Customer Services George Luftkin, Vice President in charge of operations, Albert Vitale, Airport Manager, Kip Luftkin and Airport Manager Tanya Hammond.

The Independent’s investigations indicate that another issue under investigation is whether or not the Brian Presbury management contracted a company Astria Aviation to inspect foreign airports for future operations at the cost of $40,000 a day.

The age of the retention of Ghanaian pilots is also another contentious issue between government and the Brian Presbury-led management.

The purchase of several vehicles by the GIA management including two Rexton SUVs and Mercedes Benz is also another grey area which is currently under investigation.

The paper has also learnt that an attempt was made to take away Ghana International Airline USA’s 30 per cent equity but this was effectively blocked by the government and prevented them from making it happen.

According to the paper, the 30 per cent equity amounted to a sum of $2.1 million at the time the investment was made in the Ghana International Airline by its minority shareholders, the GIA of USA.

The training of over a hundred flight attendants who are being paid while the airline has only one aircraft that flies from Accra to Gatwick and back to Accra is also under investigation.

TimS

18th Apr 2006, 14:52

just cut and paste again (from Ghanaweb), but this would appear to be about as much grief as you can get ......

The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Police Service have commenced serious investigations into the operations of the Ghana International Airlines (GIA).

A source close to the two investigative bodies says their preliminary investigations had uncovered substantial issues of maladministration at the fledgling airline which needs probing into.

The case may even land in court this week the source revealed confidently. Furthermore, it has now come to light that the problems of the 17-month old airline which recently boiled over into the public domain had been simmering for some time.

This is evident from a document written and signed by Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. G.A.M Azu, and dated February 21, 2006 a copy of which is available to Daily Guide.

The document was addressed to the Chief of Staff and Minister for Presidential Affairs, Kwadwo Mpiani, who has responsibility over the Aviation Sector.

It stated: “Due to the perilous state of the company and the gross incompetence exhibited by Mr. Presbury it is recommended that action be taken immediately to discharge Presbury from the acting chief executive role and that an appropriate Chief Executive Officer be appointed”.

The 63-point letter pointed the problem areas of airline which the three new interim board members will be grappling with.

Mr. Azu, who is currently acting as Executive Officer for the airline, was emphatic that the Board no longer has confidence in the management team of GIA and urgently requested the assistance of the Minister in resolving outstanding issues.

It noted that Mr. Brian Presbury as the senior GIA management executive “has shown poor management, poor interpersonal skills, and fiscal irresponsibility in certain particular areas”.

The BOD further disclosed that Presbury was actually acting as CEO but had re-assigned his officially-designated position of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer to another individual, John Nagle whose appointment was not presented or approved by the BOD, thereby resigning his acting role as Chief Financial Officer by default.

The BOD therefore recommended that a substantive Chief Executive Officer be appointed to assume control of the company.

“The CEO should be able to hire and fire the management team as required and will be responsible to the BOD as outlined in the Ghana Companies Code of 1963”, the letter to the Minister stated and chronicled 63 reasons why the acting chief executive had to be relieved of his position.

These are the outlines of issues the Board had against the acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana International Airlines who was subsequently and dramatically fired after a meeting at the Castle.

1. Failure to submit a budget to the Board on all spending, from November 2005 to date.

2. Failure to seek approval on all expenditures from November 2005 to date.

3. Hiring of consultants with no airline experience or knowledge without Board approval.

4. Hiring of consultants with no airline experience or knowledge that are not part of the business plan.

5. Assignment of corporate executives and management without Board notification and approval.

6. Hiring of management and staff that are not part of the business plan.

7. Retention of companies for services that are not part of the business plan at excessive costs and expense to the company.

8. Assignment of bank account signatories without Board notification and approval.

9. Opening of bank accounts without Board notification and approval.

10. Violation of Board directives to immediately cease hiring and recruitment.

11. Violation of Board directives to immediately cease out-sourcing of core business activities to other companies.

12. Violation of Board directives to immediately cease committing company to significant expenditures without Board approval.

13. Violation of Board directives to immediately cease contracting for significant purchases without Board approval.

14. Ignoring the Board request for copies of all employment agreements.

15. Ignoring the Board request for copies of all contracts.

16. Ignoring the Board request to terminate unprofitable below market fares (i.e. 100 GBP/USD fares which will result in nearly $1,800,000.00 a month in losses).

17. Ignoring the Board suggestions to investigate alternative narrow bodied aircraft that would be less expensive operationally then the proposed MD82, after being provided with details of other types, sources, prices, and availability data provided by the Board to management.

18. Ignoring the Board request to provide accurate information on all staffing and out-sourced employees and their roles.

19. Ignoring the Board request to provide account balances on all bank accounts.

20. Failure to have basic essential accurate information.

21. Failure to correct sales and marketing campaign.

22. Failure to obtain certification in a timely manner with the latest proposal submitted to the board showing 02 August 2006 as certification completion date.

23. Release of most key personnel with technical aviation knowledge.

24. Failure to employ any Ghanaian pilots nor make any attempt at communications with existing Ghanaian pilot candidates.

25. Failure to inform the GCAA of the use of alternative aircraft and to obtain an operating permit for it prior to use. (Use of N526RA in lieu of N930RD without prior GCAA approvals).

26. Failure to inform the GCAA of the changes in management and appropriate management.

27. Violation of GCAA regulations (management, aircraft, certification team, operating permit).

28. Frequent absence from the company (Only present for 2 months out of 5 months from September to January) (Absent during critical periods and holiday peak season during critical start up phases).

29. Failure to inform the Board of leave or time off in advance.

30. Violation of the prior disclosure agreement and failure to inform and seek approval on the use of a corporation/company owned by an officer/director prior to contracting for services (e.g. Mary Greenslade Information Services¬ owned by Sammy Crabbe).

31. Changing the business plan without Board approval.

32. Failure to manage company and government monies effectively. Spending and committing to more expenses than currently available funding.

33. Failure to control expenses so that any future cash inflows are properly managed. 34. No initiative in any costs controls.

35. Failure to respond to Board requests for proposed costs savings.

36. Misrepresentation of success at previous employment (e.g. failed to complete term of employment and to disclose abysmal financial record at Kenya Airways during his brief tenure as CEO).

37. Failure to keep accurate financial records (e.g. unable to produce to the Board, after two weeks, three written requests) 38. Failure to provide monthly status reports as directed by the Board in October 2005.

39. Inability to manage finance department.

40. Inability to manage certification department.

41. Inability to manage human resources.

42. Failure to provide expense policy proposal to the Board.

43. Failure to provide housing policy proposal to the Board.

44. Failure to provide vehicle usage policy to the Board.

45. Failure to respond to the request for audit in a timely basis.

46. Failure to manage employees effectively with resultant poor moral and discourse (e.g. frequent complaints of mismanagement and poor moral from employees to the Board).

47. Failure to obtain residence permits and work permits prior to commencing employment (In direct violation of the Board directive, from October 2005 to date.) 48. Imprudent spending of government funds.

49. No cognitive sales and marketing programme established.

50. Failure to secure a presence in key London markets.

51. Failure to implement a cash control system in a timely basis to prevent fraud and theft (e.g. not utilising bonded cashiers at airport and city ticket offices nor utilising the Radixx system for excess baggage or change fees.)

52. Failure to market effectively to Government, NGOs and corporations (e.g. effectively ignoring the most profitable sector of the industry).

53. Assignment of unqualified persons with no experience in airlines to key positions (i.e. Human Resources, Purchasing, Finance, and more.).

54. Creeping nepotism at high levels of management.

55. Constructive dismissal of key qualified personnel.

56. Failure to maintain company in good standing with IATA. (e.g. repeated late payments to IATA clearing house and failure to respond in a timely professional basis).

57. Failure to respond to IATA clearing house in a timely basis resulting in a loss of approximately $62,697.00 US Dollars.

58. Failure to maintain the reputation of the company with outside business partners (e.g. repeated late payments for key suppliers, fuel, reservations systems”, aircraft, document screening, and many others.).

59. Failure to maintain the integrity company with key business partners (e.g. charges of incompetence in management from IATA, Radixx; Ryan and others).

60. Active recruitment of expatriate personnel when qualified Ghanaians are available (e.g. Pilots, Quality, Technical, Engineering, Operations personnel).

61. Failure to effectively market the Company and to assign effective distribution through General Sales agents and Bank Settlement Plans.

62. Refusal to accept Board authority over management (e.g. in violation of Ghana Companies code of 1963).

63. Failure to disclose perilous financial condition to the Board in a timely basis (e.g. Aircraft lease and fuel payments).

Signed:
Yours faithfully G. A. M. Azu
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Ghana International Airlines Limited

fourplay

19th Apr 2006, 07:58

Thanks Tim for those posts, Was wondering what was happening.
Have been waiting on contact from the office for an interview.
They have told me everything is on hold due to the drama.
God its not looking good at all.

Bloody ticket and days off organised....
All dressed up with nowhere to go!!! hehehehehe

gac111

24th Apr 2006, 13:58

More drama courtesy of Ghanaweb.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=103107
Seems that the tables are now turning to implicate Vitale and Atkins in the scandal.

The widely publicized story about stealing of $1.9 million by the Vice President of Ghana International Airlines (GIA), Mr. Sammy Crabbe, who spent several hours being interrogated by the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Ghana Police cannot pass for theft after all as all the main parties at GIA and the shareholders knew about the transaction.
Lawyers for Crabbe, Messrs. Kwame Acheampong Boateng of Primus Law Company, told the Chronicle that they put in an appearance at the police headquarters to give a statement about the authorization for the transfer of $1.9 million. “They wanted to find out who authorized the transfers of the $1.9million”.
They noted that their client had told them that one of the officers, who knew about the transfer and authorized it, is Mr. Albert Vitale. At the time Ralph Atkins was the CEO, and he knew about it too.

gac111

25th Apr 2006, 15:58

Well, the new management team seems to have worked a miracle. In just 2 weeks, they have paid off the entire debt of the company. :confused:

Thanks to Ghanaweb as usual.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=103184

According to the Daily Graphic nwspaper, Ghana International Airline (GIA), which is currently under a new management, has paid an outstanding debt of $4 million incurred by its previous management.

GIA767

4th May 2006, 15:09

So when is the 767 coming?

fourplay

7th May 2006, 15:15

Ghana: GIA to Partner Ethiopian Airlines

Accra Mail (Accra)

May 3, 2006
Posted to the web May 4, 2006

Kofi Agyepong

Barring any unforeseen hitches, the country's national carrier; Ghana International Airlines (GIA) Limited, will soon move into partnership with Ethiopia's national airline, Ethiopian Airlines.

The partnership will see the two carriers working together in terms of management and technical support.

This was disclosed by the acting C.E.O of G.I.A, Mr. Azu Mate when he met with GIA's travel agents to brief them on the recent developments in the company.

The acting CEO did not give a specific time the partnership will take place, he said "we want to make sure that the necessary things are done to avoid any disappointment or last minute withdrawal".

Mr. Azu Mate said for the country to give its true meaning of being the "Gateway to Africa", its national carrier has to fly from Accra to intercontinental destinations.

He explained that Ethiopia Airlines was chosen for the partnership because of its high reputation and strength in the west of Africa.

He noted that though GIA and Ethiopian Airlines are in competition, the two companies have realized that without collaboration, none can satisfy its vast passengers on the continent.

"We need the east and west for our passengers because GIA has strength in the west, we have to partner a carrier which also has strength in the east. There is a perfect marriage between the two carriers, which will ensure that we both succeed We are making sure that at the shortest possible time, GIA would regain its lost status as category A".

Mr. Azu outlined some of the benefits of the partnership as lower costs, increased traffic, highly professional, efficient and profitable operation. On the developments that led to the dissolution of the management, the acting CEO explained that: "As a Board representing the people and government of Ghana, there were issues that we had with management about how they managed the airline and also the fact that too much power had been given to them. Though we were in constant touch with them, things were not smooth. Matters got to a head, where we felt as Board Members it would serve the public interest if we intervened and called management to order".

He added: "The problem was the CEO. He was in an active position. He used to be the chief financial officer, so before the management appointed him, they should have consulted the Board for confirmation, but they did not."

Mr. Azu Mate said the Board wanted to sack the CEO, so sent plain clothed security men to accompany him to his office so as to take only his belongings.

"Apart from the CEO, no one has been sacked. The security was to make sure the CEO takes his own documents. They are prudent measures taken everywhere in the world", he said. The acting CEO said it was during that security procedure in the office that a crowd descended on the office premises.

"The security men did not have any alternative than to call for more security. We made sure that Boardroom meetings did not affect the operations of the airline Those actions were taken to ensure the survival of the national carrier. We accept responsibility, we have no apology".

Barely 17 months into the operations of the new national airline, its four top executives, comprising the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Brian Presbury, the Vice- President (Operations) Mr. Sammy Crabbe, the Special Assistant to the CEO, Mr. Sean Mendis, and the Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. K. K. Apeadu have departed.

Mr. Azu Mate, a former Chairman of an Interim Management Task Force overseeing the liquidation of Ghana Airways was then appointed acting CEO.

Mr. Azu Mate told ADM that the Board sacked only the president but not Mr. Sammy Crabbe as perceived by a section of the media. According to him, Mr. Sammy Crabbe is still a Board Member and they recognize him as part of GIA's success.

"His office is there but he does not come to work, which we do not know why", he told ADM.

Asked by the travel agents whether he would remain in the position as a substantive CEO, Mr. Azu said, "It is not my wish to be in this position, as soon as the issue is solved, a new CEO will be appointed. My position is expected to be in short duration".

He urged the travel agents to continue their good work and also pay the monies they owed the company early to ensure that the airline operates successfully. He told them that "GIA is here to stay and we must all help build and sustain it".

A travel agent from America urged the acting CEO to visit the US, noting that the current management problem has demoralized Ghanaians over there and they really need to instill confidence in them. This acting Mr. Azu accepted and promised to visit US and UK at the shortest possible time.

TimS

9th May 2006, 08:00

Well here's the latest from Ghanaweb (its not getting any better) ....

Gov't blows $5m on GIA in one month?

... Whole marketing department fired!
The sudden decision by the government of Ghana to settle the ongoing impasse with GIA-USA out of court has raised a few eyebrows. The truth however is simple, the government of Ghana has been in a no win situation since 7th April, when the chief of staff organised a mafia style takeover of the company.
The initial handicap that the government faced from the onset of its ill advised adventure was a lack of funds. The illegally ousted management team of Ghana International Airline(GIA) were the Board of Directors(BOD) mandated signatories to the company’s bank account at Ghana International Bank(GIB). Try us the government did, GIB have rightly refused to allow new signatories to the companies accounts without a new BOD mandate.

The BOD members, including the government appointees, have in solidarity with the ousted management refused to attend meetings, thereby making it impossible to achieve the quorum needed to push through a new mandate to amend the bank account signatories.

Faced with this lack of access to GIA’s funds inflows, Ghana government was forced to initially pump $US2.6m to the company in the week commencing 10th April; however $US1.6m of this amount was immediately swallowed up by an existing overdraft at Merchant Bank leaving only $1m which was used up in the same week.

The government then forwarded another $2.4m to the Azu Mate led management of GIA. This amount was promptly used up and as at Friday 5th May, GIA had run up an overdraft of one billion cedis at Merchant Bank on their suspense account. The money situation has got so terrible that all their suppliers are dealing with them on a cash only basis, thereby tightening the screw on the new management even further. Interestingly enough, one of the accusations that were launched against the ousted management was the fact that they had run up a debt of $US5m in 19 months. This record has been easily surpassed by the new management, and as things stand should they still be in charge in 12 months time, they would have accrued a debt of $100m, which would just be $30m shy of the $130m debt Ghana Airways run up in 40years of its existence

The minority shareholder, GIA-USA, LLC contacted all their UK travel agents last week warning them to desist from dealing with the new management of GIA. The America shareholders go on to state that

’’It has come to our attention that Your Travel Agency may be transacting business with the illegitimate group masquerading as the management of the airline. This letter is to inform you that if funds for tickets sold on Ghana International Airlines Limited flights are not deposited into the account of the airline at:
Ghana International Bank plc, 69 Cheapside, London EC2P 2BB, SWIFT Code: ******, for the account of: Ghana International Airlines Limited, U.S. Dollar account:*******, then those tickets will not be honored by the airline. Additionally, GIA-USA will consider any business done with the illegal management group purporting to represent the airline as participation in the ongoing conspiracy to defraud GIA-USA, LLC of its legal rights. Govern yourselves accordingly’’

The interesting thing about these loans from the Ghana government to GIA is that the parliamentary finance committee has not as yet authorized the $20m loan approved by parliament for the company. So the 64 million dollar question is where did the government get the $5m war chest from?

While this total waste of funds has arisen through the "hot headedness" of Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpianin and his legal adviser Dan Agyeman, one cannot fail to question the role of government consultant Albert Vitali and BOD chairman and acting GIA CEO Azu Mate.

Vitali from Ponte Vedra Beach Florida is reported to be earning $7,000 a week from GIA and another $7,000 a week from the Ghana government to act as aviation consultant. He arrived in Ghana initially as part of the management team of the airline, but resigned in disgrace in January 2006 after he was given notice to quit due to his involvement in several alleged shady deals including:

The contract for the Radixx Booking System (GIA paid $1.1m, but the market rate for the system is $650,000), Ryan International aircraft lease (GIA pay $1.25m per month, but the conservative market rate for the aircraft lease is $850,000) and collusion with UK Travel agents to set their own prices and defraud the airline of revenue amongst other illegalities.

I hope my little information will give Inspector Amoah at CID HQ something worthwhile to investigate rather than spend taxpayer’s precious money and time looking for three lost air-conditioning units and missing GIA staff uniforms.

This is how Capt. Pat Major another expatriate who was appointed as head of flight operations at GIA by Vitali despite strong opposition from Ghanaian pilot Captain Fosu described Vitali in his resignation letter:

"I never imagined Albert would behave as he did. His disregard for others well being, the cruel language he often used, his tantrums and rages, his denial of us.

The way he resorted to contemptible half truths and seething need to in fight discord and assign blame while avoiding taking firm action to produce the required results. Albert seemed immersed in a pattern of behavior that violated the most basic values and believe. He seems to be a man in a great deal of pain. I hope he finds the help he needs’’

The hemorrhaging of the airline has so far been supervised by BOD chairman Azu Mate, who has been acting CEO since the takeover and whose only airline experience has been as Accra country manager for KLM, and Phil Mwakitawa, the nervous and ___ Kenyan who is more adept at chewing his nails than running an airline.

The airline is loosing around $90,000 daily, and as things stands, it is not likely that it will survive the summer peak season.

For those doubting Thomases, the calculations are simple. Assuming the airline is flying 50 passengers per flight at $400 plus taxes, the revenue from fares alone is $20,000, deduct fuel cost of $25,000 per flight and you realize that before you get into other overheads like landing fees, staffing cost, etc the airline is in serious trouble.

So what steps have the Azu, Vitali, Mwakitawa management taken to redress the situation?

Clearly out of their depth, my investigations have revealed that apart from firing the whole marketing department of the airline, a host of flight attendants, and possibly the finance department, as well as the sudden knee jerk decision to reduce the baggage allowance on the aircraft from 40kg to 32kg. A decision which was promptly reversed within seven days, nothing strategic has been done to halt the decline.

Surprisingly, the agenda for the airlines next BOD meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday 10th May at the office of Chairman Azu Mate reads as follows:
i. To consider 2006/07 budget
ii. To fix the remuneration of the acting CEO
iii. To discuss the payment of the outstanding remunerations to members of the BOD
iv. To discuss the current state of affairs
v. To discuss redundancies
vi. AOB

There appears very little relief for the embattled Azu led management. Forward bookings available to me indicate that for the week commencing 14th May, the passenger numbers for the whole week will still not be enough to fill the leased Boeing 757 for even one flight. The only good news on the horizon for GIA is that their original two class leased aircraft returns on 15th May with a capacity of 160 to replace the substitute one class 210 capacity aircraft it has been flying for the past month, thereby decreasing their seating capacity.

The future looks very bleak for GIA unless a resolution to the current impasse is reached very soon, the prospect of a repeat of the scenes at Kotoka Airport during August 2004 when thousands of stranded Ghana Airways passengers barricaded staff when the airline folded is very likely, the only difference being luckily, this time around the stranded passengers will not be in their thousands, but in their low hundreds.

The combination of the above factors has left Mr Mpianin with little else than to swallow his humble pie and attempt to rely on section 19 of the shareholders agreement with GIA- USA to redress the impasse through an out of court settlement. Something I find strange considering the force and finality of his initial macho actions. Perhaps the thought of one day being accused of causing financial loss to the state is something that might be playing on the mind of the chief of staff now.

Globaliser

14th May 2006, 22:26

Two Ghanaweb articles (the earlier written by the same person that wrote the editorial piece posted by TimS immediately above this post) are reporting a number of tactical cancellations over the next four weeks, as follows:-Departing Accra: G0 101 of 24 May (Wed), 28 May (Sun), 01 Jun (Thu), 04 Jun (Sun), 07 Jun (Wed), 11 Jun (Sun) and 13 Jun (Tue)

Departing London: G0 100 of 25 May (Thu), 29 May (Mon), 01 Jun (Thu), 05 Jun (Mon), 08 Jun (Thu), 12 Jun (Mon) and 14 Jun (Wed)

Aircraft will overnight in ACC on 24 May, 28 May, 04 Jun, 07 Jun, 11 Jun and 13 Jun. Aircraft will overnight in LGW on 01 Jun.Impossible for an outsider to know what to make of the attributed reasons, or the comment, in the articles, though: 11 May (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=104117) and 12 May (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=104167).

ETStar

15th May 2006, 00:26

Two Ghanaweb articles (the earlier written by the same person that wrote the editorial piece posted by TimS immediately above this post) are reporting a number of tactical cancellations over the next four weeks, as follows:-Departing Accra: G0 101 of 24 May (Wed), 28 May (Sun), 01 Jun (Thu), 04 Jun (Sun), 07 Jun (Wed), 11 Jun (Sun) and 13 Jun (Tue)
Departing London: G0 100 of 25 May (Thu), 29 May (Mon), 01 Jun (Thu), 05 Jun (Mon), 08 Jun (Thu), 12 Jun (Mon) and 14 Jun (Wed)
Aircraft will overnight in ACC on 24 May, 28 May, 04 Jun, 07 Jun, 11 Jun and 13 Jun. Aircraft will overnight in LGW on 01 Jun.Impossible for an outsider to know what to make of the attributed reasons, or the comment, in the articles, though: 11 May (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=104117) and 12 May (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=104167).

There was an article a day or so ago that stated very low load factor, with as low as 30 pax each way for this weekend ... _could_ be a smart move.

AVSEC

10th Jan 2007, 22:06

who knows whether GIA is covering only acc-lgw?
Do they have more routes planned?
who do they use for Aviation security,or are they only providing travel document screening?
How are they doing on pax loads?
Are they a credible giant in the making?
Are they financially strong,and how well are they managed?
Are the GCAA practising a protectionist policy?
Why were Grays security not allowed to provide avsec for SAA,if they are not?
Did the menzies/GAHCO merger take off?
I would really appreciate any info guys.Thanx.

grjplanes

11th Jan 2007, 11:10

They operate to JNB as well twice a week, but I notice that today's (11/01) was cancelled...?
The departing flights from ACC is within an hour of SAA flights also to JNB.

AVSEC

11th Jan 2007, 17:31

Thanx grj planes

soups

14th Jan 2007, 00:06

Rumours that short haul will commence in the next 3 month

Just booked my parents on GIA ACC-JNB and its 52%cheaper than SAA

Rani

14th Jan 2007, 05:02

Amazing. More passengers, increased market....

Wizard

14th Jul 2007, 15:06

Challenges facing GIA:
http://www.africanpath.com/p_blogEntry.cfm?blogEntryID=1241

AVSEC

15th Jul 2007, 09:59

very informative.
There are organised syndicates that facilitate drug courier activities and passenger travel with inadequate documentation within KIA.
Protectionist policy of GCAA barring non Ghanian companies operating within KIA that have all equipment and funding as well as capability to employ and train Ghanian nationals to provide services is also a problem.
The handling of aviation matters from the castle is not helping and constant changing of the politically appointed officer within national security and secretary in charge of aviation has not aided things either.

The only thing that will aid Ghanian aviation is to open up the industry to foreign investment and to ensure a level playing field.

Wizard

16th Jul 2007, 12:52

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=127255

AVSEC

16th Jul 2007, 23:11

I wonder how long it will take the GCAA and Ghanian Government to realise that they are ruining the Ghanian aviation industry with these restrictive and non comercial friendly decisions.

Wizard

29th Aug 2007, 10:40

see this article from ghanaweb

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=129689

strongly suggest after reading the article you view all comments - click on link at bottom right hand side of page after article.

justforfun

22nd Sep 2007, 11:41

Any news on whats happening with GIA? ... I'm not a pilot, but just been offered a job with them - unlikely I'll take it, despite it - ON PAPER - looking fairly attractive.... :hmm:

Wizard

6th Oct 2007, 15:20

Seems they recently lost an engine on their wet leased aircraft, see here

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=131410

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=131525

So if you are a pilot you need to apply to those who operate the aircraft not to the client GIA who has no aircraft, has blown all money invested, also blown all money borrowed from the Ghana governement including from the pension fund, and still loses money. Not surprisingly the CEO indicates in the article above that he would like to have more.......

The smart thing to do would be to admit what everyone else knows that the airline GIA would be better off fully privatised, and for the Government of Ghana to get out of it. After their performance with their current partners the Mormans who would want the Government of Ghana as its partner. Ghana along with most African Governments has already bankrupted their national airline - in Ghana's case they look like they have been running their replacement national airline in the red and seem well on their way to GIA going under or needing repeats of the several cash infusions it has already had. Stopping the losses is not all that hard. Making a profit is well and truly possible - but for both you need to have good and serious owners who appoint serious management and then let them manage.

Political interference, political appointees or politicians giving in to the ever present temptation of tickling the till - these are amongst the famous or infamous reasons Ghana Airways collapsed and GIA has had a rough ride to date. Getting the politics out and allowing the business to be run as a business without milking it is the only way forwards for Africa's airlines in my opinion - GIA included.

That aside on a personal note - good fortune Capt. Joe

AVSEC

7th Oct 2007, 23:14

It is impossible for Ghanian aviation to have a profitable airline.GCAA are inefficient,and the monopolistic protectionist policies of the Ghanian government is killing Ghanian aviation.
RIP

Wizard

28th Oct 2007, 10:09

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=133014
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=129340
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=131013

Wizard

20th Feb 2008, 09:16

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=139463&comment=3550814#com

AVSEC

23rd Feb 2008, 01:27

dont worry arik air and virgin group are on their way from nigeria so you guys may not have to worry.

Wizard

24th Apr 2009, 01:49

Business News of Monday, 23 February 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=158152)

President Mills Should Look Into GIA (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/artikel.php?ID=159770)

General News of Friday, 17 April 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=160705)

Business News of Thursday, 5 March 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=158672)

Seaman Staines

24th Apr 2009, 03:27

Wizard!! alias Luke Norman Butler

Goodness me! :eek:

It's the Caloundra Conman, Aus Aviation's infamous swindler & bankrupt.

What are you sucking up here for?

Someone heavy must have stepped on that rock you've been hiding under lately.:}

SalesConsult

28th Apr 2009, 09:38

The airline is deeply in trouble, deep trouble, staff not paid for 2 months

Ibhayi

30th Apr 2009, 16:32

Pity Ghana web doesn't date their articles, would put some perspective on their work.

Wizard

2nd Jun 2009, 14:01

There have been quite a number of articles written on Ghana International Airlines (GIA) and the present state that it finds itself in. For some reason, we as a country seem to be at our wits end unable to figure out which direction GIA should go and how to turn it into a viable company. The truth of the matter is if we decide to approach its management with the same old ‘Ghanaian mentality’ of doing things, we can be sure GIA would remain on the ‘tarmac’ On the other hand if we realize that we need to change our approach and attitude to management and chart a different course then hopefully in the next decade GIA may well become the centerpiece of our nationhood that it once was. There is always the need to study the past in order to understand the present and plan for the future. The national carrier has had a rather chequered history since its establishment.

It is reported that the ‘Osagyefo’ used to order flights with no passengers on board just to show the rest of the world that we, as Africans, could fly. Never mind whether it made sense economically or not. So with such a ‘rich’ history is it any wonder that subsequent managements (Ghanaian) over the years decided to treat the airline like a ‘fat cow’ that never runs out of milk?-Free tickets for employees and their families; bonuses upon bonuses for employees even in the face of nonperformance and mismanagement. Nobody cared whether these practices were sustainable or not. We all sat down and watched as these practices went on. And like any business built on such a model, the end was inevitable. It all came crashing down and what a heavy fall that was. And just like Ghanaians, we all suddenly became airline experts. Everybody had the perfect plan to salvage the collapsed airline, Ghana Airways. The NDC had the opportunity to overhaul the ‘system’ but its interventions fell short. Finally the then new government of the NPP decided to tackle the problem head-on. Among the number of proposals put forward was one by PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PWC). Personally, I believed that proposal from PWC was the best out of the lot. The government of Ghana was going to pay PWC a rather princely amount of money and in exchange have PWC manage and run the national airline for a number of years. PWC hoped to turn around the fortunes of the airline, by which time management reverts to the government. But before anybody could say jack, contents of the proposal had leaked to the media and all hell broke loose. I remember a particular journalist boasting on radio how he ‘intercepted’ the documents between the offices of PWC (then at the Gulf House) and the Castle. What was the noise about??? Oh, the money involved in the contract was too much. How could the government give so much money to PWC just to manage Ghana Airways? Are there not competent and qualified Ghanaians out there who could turn the company around? (Forget that it was the same ‘competent and qualified’ Ghanaians who had ran the company aground in the first place). On and on and on, it went. Instead of the government standing its ground and finding better ways of explaining to ordinary Ghanaians why it was necessary to take such a measure, they capitulated and that marked the end of the deal. I bet, that to the NPP, they were just being the ‘listening’ government they had promised to be. That argument does not hold water as far as I am concerned, but who am I anyway?-Just a proud Ghanaian who wants to see his country succeed!! That was one big disappointment if ever there was one. Where did that leave us? Well here we are with GIA that seems incapable of getting off the ground. I would say ‘ayekoo’ to that journalist who spearheaded the campaign against PWC. He knows who he is. I believe he is proud of himself now, and I want to believe also that he flies GIA anytime he travels!! What hypocrisy!!! In Ghana we are not ready to pay for a viable national airline, but we have no problem paying huge amounts of money to expatriates to coach our national football team. Apparently, a football team is more important than an airline. We would gladly dish out bonuses to footballers for winning one match but we cannot pay our medical staff to work in the rural areas. We would even promise winning bonuses to these players even before they kick the ball, and that’s also fine but our teachers can shout themselves hoarse about improved conditions of service and nobody cares. This is Ghana; we have our own unique set of priorities!! Well, maybe we believe we can always travel by Air Morrocco or South African Airways or some other airline but we cannot pay the Hawks of Togo to play in our stead. Priorities? What priorities??

The media has a very important role to play in our present attempt at ‘democracy’ but shouldn’t their criticisms and attacks be based on objective facts? Should they just be interested in running to the presses or to the airwaves at the first hint of ‘news’? Are they not required to inform and educate the populace? How do they ‘inform and educate’ if they don’t go the extra step of digging deeper? As a country, if we continue on this path, we would be going nowhere! We cannot continue to ‘beat ourselves into a frenzy’ anytime we disagree with a policy of the government. We need reasoned and intelligent discussions by experts (in the true sense of the word) on issues and not so-called ‘analyses’ by ‘talking heads’ on radio and T.V.

It was a similar story with the rather infamous CNTC (?) loan. Governments all over the world have the option of borrowing from the Bretton Woods Institutions or from the private capital market. In fact studies show that it is better borrowing from the latter. Private capital markets tend to have favourable and concessionary rates and terms. I think it was a wise policy decision when the NPP government decided to go that route and leave the IMF and its cousins to their devices. But unlike these institutions, private capital markets may not have straightforward locations and addresses. The reason being that these private entities try to ‘hide’ their monies from their respective government, in order to dodge paying taxes. So they carry these monies to accounts in Liechtenstein, Bahamas, Monaco and other known and unknown tax havens. So if the address of such an entity happens to show a beauty salon, what has that got to do with the money itself? Do they have the money or not? Can they deliver on the rates agreed on or not? These were the pertinent issues that needed to be raised; instead we spent the whole time shouting malfeasance and misappropriation. Led by the media, the people and, of course, the opposition ‘milked’ the situation for all it was worth. Meanwhile the government was in a dilemma because they were not in the position to reveal such details about a potential lender to the whole world. In the end Ghana did not get the money and I guess we are the better for it, right?

We are no saints and we should stop pretending that we are. The world is not fair and the mantra is” eat or be eaten”. We should be aggressive and, at all times, seek our own interest as a country. Now I hear the government has gone back to the IMF, even when we (Ghana) have documented and experiential evidence of their inimical policies towards Africa. Interestingly, I have heard no objections from Kwesi Pratt and the Third World Network of Dr. Graham. I thought they were for internal revenue generation and self-reliance. Yeah, talk is always cheap!

For GIA, I would like to suggest that the NDC government go back to the PWC proposal and have a look. Some time has elapsed since its original formulation so there may be the need for some review and adjustments. In the absence of a better alternative, I believe that should do the trick for GIA.

Feature Article of Tuesday, 2 June 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=163055)

Guinea Coast Aviator

25th Jun 2009, 20:13

Hi Wizard, I can sort of understand where you are coming from, :rolleyes: but I would rather aviation experts and I mean real experts, tried and tested in the cauldron of world aviation, are put in charge of any airline. PWC are welcome to audit their accounts anyday.;)

Wizard

25th Aug 2009, 19:40

Feature Article of Tuesday, 25 August 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=167347&comment=0#com)

Globaliser

25th Aug 2009, 22:59

It reads like it was written for the airliners.net forum.

SalesConsult

26th Aug 2009, 12:15

Analysing what Ghanaians are commenting in that article does not bode well for the airline. I just tried their website - and the online reservation is still "under construction" just as it was 2 years ago but the article suggests otherwise.

Small boy in big man's shoes - :=

Wizard

23rd Oct 2009, 10:25

A Ghana International Airlines cabin crew member Kwaku Asante Ayirebi has been jailed eight years in London for attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK.

The 30-year-old Ghanaian was charged after cocaine with an estimated street value of £98,000 was found in his luggage at the Gatwick Airport in July.

He pleaded guilty to importing cocaine into that country.

Officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) discovered the drugs, weighing about two kilos, in baggage that had arrived on a Ghana International Airways flight from Accra.

Source:
www.Myjoyonline.com

General News of Monday, 12 October 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=170146)

Wizard

23rd Oct 2009, 10:30

GIA Is A Loss Making Entity

Unless the current operators of Ghana International Airline (GIA) raise some external credit to support its operations, the Airline may have to wind up its operations.

This follows a decision by the government to withdraw a 1.5 million dollar monthly subsidy it has supported the Airline with since its inception.

GIA has constantly been running at a loss and now the government says it cannot continue to pour money into an endless pit.

The government has been studying a report of the Transaction Advisors, Fidelity Bank which suggests the Airline is bound to be grounded.

After four years of operation, GIA does not have an Air Operator’s Certificate. It has no aircraft of its own.

GIA has been operating a charter service based on permit from Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. Flights are operated by Astreaus Airlines, a UK Service at a cost level that will forever make it difficult and impossible for GIA to even break even.

The Minister of Information, Zita Okaikoi told Citi News that the NDC government has given adequate notice to the operators of its decision to withdraw the 1.5 Million dollar subsidy.

She said the government is exploring other ways to keep the airline flying; one option is a private Public Partnership.

“GIA is a loss making entity so we are rather going to encourage private partners to come in to form a National Airline…we are looking at a situation where we have private business people coming in to run the airline.” She said.

Meanwhile, the Minority Share Holder, GIA USA says it is unperturbed about the latest development.

Its law suit against the government over its 30 % shares still lingers on at the International Court of Justice and that whether the government withdraws subsidies or not the case, according to Sammy Crabbe, will go ahead.

The Lead Minority Shareholder for GIA USA, Sammy Crabbe told Citi News that Ghana will eventually be the loser if it goes ahead to run GIA down.

“If anything at all, our claims will even go higher if they should run down the company because they took over the company and run it down so it doesn’t hurt us in anyway. What is does is, it hurts Ghana” He said

Source:
Citifmonline
General News of Friday, 23 October 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=170708)

Aiation Professiona

4th Nov 2009, 03:18

ACCRA, 23 October 2009 – The management of Ghana International Airlines (GIA) writes in reference to the various media reports on Thursday, 22nd October 2009.

The Cabinet decision referred to in the media reports has given Ghana International Airlines the lifeline to become self-sustaining from January 2010. We are thankful to the Government for such a positive decision.

This lifeline implies that the airline can now seek strategic partners for capitalization and further development of the airline.

Since March this year when Government withdrew support raising uncertainty about the airlines’ future, GIA has continued to operate and has improved on its services.

Since the year 2008, we have been adjudged the number one longhaul airline at Kotoka International Airport in Accra for on-time performance with an 85% on-time record. 95% of our flights operate within one hour of schedule”. (Source: Track Flight Status, Airport Delays and other Flight and Airport Information (http://www.Flightstats.com))

Our other performance indicators such as load factor and baggage delivery have improved and are comparable to any major airline.

We wish to assure our valued patrons and the general public that the airline shall continue to guarantee provision of the services we promise to deliver.

Furthermore, management urges customers and the public alike to watch out for our Christmas promotional fares.

GHANA INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES EXPERIENCE IT ! ! BELIEVE IT ! ! !

Source: Ghana International Airlines Limited, Private Mail Bag 78, K.I.A., Accra, Ghana Tel: +233-21-213555 x1501 | Fax: +233-21-767744 | Internet: www.fly-ghana.com

ENDS

General News of Tuesday, 27 October 2009 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=170892&comment=0#com)

Aiation Professiona

12th Feb 2010, 00:10

An Astraeus Boeing 757-200 on behalf of Ghana International Airlines, registration G-STRZ performing flight G0-101 from Accra (Ghana) to London Gatwick,EN (UK) with 115 passengers, was enroute overhead Algeria, when the crew detected a hydraulics failure following an explosion like sound. The crew diverted to Algiers (Algeria), where the airplane landed safely.

A replacement Boeing 737-300 registration G-STRJ is estimated to reach London as flight G0-101A with a delay of 2:15 hours.

GIA flight's landing was 'precautionary' -GIA
Ghana International Airlines says its London-bound flight’s emergency landing early Saturday in Algeria was ‘precautionary.’
The pilot is said to have made an emergency landing after he detected a “fault in the hydraulic system of the flight,” Chief Executive Gifty Annan-Myers told Accra-based radio station JOYFM.
Passengers said they heard a loud explosion but authorities said there were no casualties.
Most of the 115 aboard were said to be in a state of shock.
The passengers awaited another aircraft to fly them to London, their final destination.
Mrs Annan-Myers said a backup flight in Italy was set to airlift the passengers to Gatwick.
The flight from (Lybia) should touch down at Gatwick by 7:30pm, the GIA boss Gifty Annan-Myers told JoyFM.

Comments:
This article has 101 comments

GIA makes emergency landing in Algeria | General News 2010-02-06 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=176295)

Wizard

26th Apr 2010, 21:54

Trial of three Ex-Ministers opens

Accra, March 31 GNA - The Trial of three Former Ministers and a Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of New Patriotic Party (NPP) opened on Wednesday at an Accra Fast Track High Court presided over by Mr Justice Bright Mensah.

The four are Richard Anane, Former Minister of Transport; Anthony Akoto Osei, Former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, Former Chief of Staff and Samuel Crabbe, Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of NPP.

Five others were expected to appear with them but they were not present in court. They are Mr Ralf Atkins; Kirk Heaton; Albert Vitali and Brain Brisby, all Former Directors of Ghana International Airlines Limited (GIAL) and Professor Gyan Baffour, Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The four have been charged with stealing, causing financial loss to the State, fraud and deceit of public officer regarding the roles they played in the formation of GIAL and the subsequent liquidation of Ghana Airways.

Anane and Crabbe, who is also President of Unger Oaks Limited, minority shareholders of the GIAL, have been additionally charged with wilfully causing financial loss to the State to the tune of $4.9 million.

Akoto Osei was also charged with six additional counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the State, fraud and deceit of public officer.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to self-recognizance bail of Gh¢ 300,000 each to reappear on April 26, 2010. Prosecuting, Ms Gertrude Aikins, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said Anane misrepresented facts on GIAL, which was then not in existence, to the Cabinet of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and misled the then Government to pay shares into a fraudulent Company. She said the action of Anane subsequently led to the liquidation of Ghana Airways.

She said Anane declared that four companies had expressed interest in the then Ghana Airways and later presented a letter of intent, which was signed between the Government of Ghana and the GIAL to form a new company called the New Ghana Airways (NGA), although the GIAL was at that time not in existence. Ms Aikins said although the memorandum Anane presented to Cabinet to sign was dated September 9, 2004, the GIA was not in existence as at that date.

She said although the PriceWaterhouseCoopers had rated the NGA, which had signed an agreement with the Government to form the GIAL, third after KLM and Ghanair, two other companies which had submitted their bid for the take over of Ghana Airways, the NGA won the bid.

She said Mpiani, on June 2, 2005, wrote to the Chairman of the Government Taskforce on Ghana Airways Limited authorizing the Taskforce to take all necessary steps to put the Airline into formal liquidation.

Ms Aikins said Akoto Osei signed a loan agreement committing the Government to a financial obligation of paying GH¢15 million from the Social Security= and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to GIAL.

She said Akoto Osei gave the SSNIT amount to the GIAL as a loan, with= out parliamentary approval and at a time when the minority shareholders of the Airline had abandoned the Company by withdrawing an amount of $1.9 million from the

GIAL account without the consent of the majority shareholder (government of Ghana).

Ms Aikins said Mr Mpiani authorized the release of an amount of $6.0= million to GIAL in September 2008 without parliamentary approval. According to the Prosecution Crabbe, who represented the minority shareholders in the Company, on June 27, 2005 withdrew $1.9 million from the Government of Ghana's account, without approval from the Government (the Majority Shareholder).

She said GIAL was subsequently formed as a joint venture between the Government of Ghana and GIA/USA/LLC, as a result of which the GIAL had its maiden flight on October 29, 2005.

Mr Jacob Acquah-Sampson, Counsel for Anane rejected the claims of the Prosecution and said the facts of the case did not support the assertions.. He prayed the Court that his client be admitted to a self-recognizance bail because he was a law-abiding citizen and had so far cooperated with the Government throughout the investigations.

Mr Kwame Boateng, Counsel for Crabbe said his client's trial was occasioned by malice and nothing else.

He said the Prosecution was aware that the same case was before the International Court of Justice at the Hague and that the facts presented by the Prosecution were just a reproduction of what was going on at that Court. Mr Atta Akyea, Counsel for Akoto Osei said the facts presented by the= Prosecution were mere propaganda.

He questioned whether it was wrong for a Minister to obey Parliament's instruction to issue funds to an ailing Company? And whether he should be accused of causing a loss to the State?

Mr Ellison Owusu-Fordjour, Counsel for Mpiani, said his client as the Chief of Staff did not do anything in his own capacity but acted on the authority of the= Executive arm of Government.

He said monies alleged to have been released by his client to GIAL was done in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet and that he did not act in his own name.

Former President Kufuor was at the Court to give moral support to those on trial.
Trial of three Ex-Ministers opens | General News 2010-03-31 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=179577&comment=0#com)

Sammy Crabbe: gov’t has goofed in charging me
Sammy Crabbe: gov?t has goofed in charging me | General News 2010-03-31 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=179542&comment=0#com)

Gyan-Baffour pleads not guilty in GIA trial

Accra, April 26, GNA - George Gyan-Baffour, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, on Monday pleaded not guilty to causing financial loss to the State, in the Ghana International Airline Limited (GIAL) saga.

This was after prosecution joined him in the suit soon after withdrawing and substituting the facts and charge sheet before an Accra Fast Track High Court (FTHC) presided over by Mr. Justice Bright Mensah on Monday.

He was admitted to GH¢300,000 self recognisance bail.

On March 31, three former Ministers of State and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appeared before the court to face a number of charges, including causing financial loss to the State. The four are Richard Winfred Anane, former Minister of Transport;

Anthony Akoto-Osei, former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance a= nd Economic Planning; Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, former Chief of Staff and Samuel=

Crabbe, former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of NPP. Four other accused persons Ralf Atkins; Kirk Heaton; Albert Vitali and Brain Brisby, all former directors of GIAL were not in court.

All the accused person have been charged with stealing, causing financial loss to the State, fraud and deceit of public officer regarding the roles they played in the formation of GIAL and the subsequent liquidation of Ghana Airways.

Crabbe, who is also President of Unger Oaks Limited, minority shareholders of GIAL, and Anane have been additionally charged with wilfu= lly causing financial loss to the State to the tune of about 4.9 million dollars.

Crabbe is being held solely for opening an offshore account, without authority from the Bank of Ghana, conspiracy to steal and stealing. Akoto-Osei has six additional charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the State, fraud and deceit of public officer and misapplication of public funds.

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges; and admitted to self recognisance bail of GH¢300,000 each.

Defence counsels have denied the charges preferred against their clients= .. Meanwhile the court has excused Akoto-Osei, who is also Member of Parliament of Tafo-Pankrono to travel to Tanzania, after details had been furnished to the court by the Clerk of Parliament. Prosecuting, Ms Gertrude Aikins, Director of Public Prosecutions, said Dr Anane misrepresented facts on GIAL, which was then not in existence, to the Cabinet of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and misled the then Government to pay shares into a fraudulent company.

She said Dr Anane's action subsequently led to the liquidation of Ghana Airways.

The prosecution said Dr Anane declared that four companies had expressed interest in Ghana Airways and later presented a letter of intent, which was signed between the Government of Ghana and GIAL to form a new company called New Ghana Airways (NGA), although GIAL was at that time not in existence.

Ms Aikins said although the memorandum Dr Anane presented to Cabinet to sign was dated September 9, 2004, GIA was not in existence at that date. She said although management of PriceWaterhouseCoopers had rated NGA, which had signed an agreement with the Government to form GIAL, third after KLM and Ghanair; two other companies which had submitted their bids to take over Ghana Airways, NGA won the bid.

Ms Aikins said Mpiani, on June 2, 2005, wrote to the Chairman of Government Taskforce on Ghana Airways Limited authorising the taskforce to take all necessary steps to put the airline into formal liquidation.

She said Akoto-Osei signed a loan agreement committing the Government to a financial obligation of paying GH¢15 million from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust to GIAL.

Ms Aikins said Dr Akoto-Osei gave the amount from SSNIT to GIAL as a=

loan, without Parliamentary approval and at a time when the minority shareholders of the airline had abandoned the company by withdrawing 1.9 million dollars from GIAL account without the consent of the majority shareholder, Government of Ghana.

She said Mr Mpiani authorised the release of six million dollars to GIAL in September 2008 without Parliamentary approval.

According to the prosecution Crabbe, who represented the minority shareholders in the company, on June 27, 2005 withdrew 1.9 million dollar= s from the Government of Ghana's account, without approval from the Governm= ent (the Majority Shareholder). The case was adjourned to Monday, May 10.
Gyan-Baffour pleads not guilty in GIA trial | General News 2010-04-26 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=180828)

GIA trial: Mpiani, others now face 22 charges

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gertrude Aikins has reviewed to 22 the number of charges against five ex-government officials in the ongoing Ghana International Airlines trial.

She had early on preffered 13 charges at the first adjourned date, but excluded Prof Gyan Baffuor, former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry who was said to be at large, but had not at the time been charged.

He made his first appearance in court on Monday with a total of six charges, including causing financial loss to the state and deceit of a public officer.

Former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei leads the pack of accused with a total of nine counts, including causing financial loss to the state and deceit of public officers.

He had early on been charged with seven counts.

According to the DPP, the two connived to get Parliament to approve an amount of $16m for the running of the airline at a time it was deemed not viable.

Joy News correspondent Araba Koomson, reports that five other charges have been slapped on the former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and minority shareholder, Sammy Crabbe.

He is alleged to have withdrawn an amount of $1.7 million from government accounts without due authorisation.

The other defendants are Richard Anane, former Roads and Transport Minister and Kwadwo Mpiani, ex-chief of Staff under the Kufuor regime.

The five have been handed a GH¢300,000 bail each to reappear on May 10, 2010.
GIA trial: Mpiani, others now face 22 charges | General News 2010-04-26 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=180794&comment=0#com)

Kitoro Kid

27th Apr 2010, 10:13

Aviation in Ghana looks very when I pass through Accra , apart from GIA it seems , although I have never been a passenger on GIA so cannot comment. But local airlines seems to be doing ok, I see Air Ghana now have 3 B-1900D's wet leased from Solenta , so they look like they are moving forward, and they are a private airline , the others seem to be doing regular flights and the domestic market is growing. Anybody else out there got inside info on Ghana aviation?

Wizard

14th May 2010, 23:24

former Ghana Airways Liquidation

The Enquirer is in possession of documents that indicate the (former) Ghana Airways Limited, before its demise under the watch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government in 2004, had landed properties worth over¢106 Billion (USD $7,313,380). The then government liquidated Ghana Airways because they refused to raise USD $2million requested by the then management of Ghana Airways to turn around the national carrier.

The Kufuor government decided to liquidate the airline with a promise to establish a completely new and modern airline which was profitable. By the time they left office, the new airline they established was indebted to the tune of USD $55 million, with no assets to show for it, unlike Ghana Airways.

Surprisingly, the properties, which were both within Ghana and outside, were disposed off under such bizarre circumstances that it would be very difficult to trace some of the buyers today.

At the Airport Residential Area in Accra alone, the national airliner was in possession of plots that were valued at the time of the liquidation of the airline at USD $3,194,500.

The plots, according to the documents, include plots G2, G4, G6, H1, H3 and H5, which were valued at USD $1,684,500.

Within that same Airport Residential Area, Ghana Airways Limited possessed plot numbers G8, G10, H7, H9 and J2, which were also valued at USD $1,270,000 but were sold off.

In addition to that, the airliner had a club house at Cantonments in Accra, plot 26D, which was valued at USD $400,000 but was believed to have been sold at a ridiculous price far less than its value.

The houses at the Airport Residential Area and the Club House at Cantonments were valued to have generated rent of GH¢45,195,200 (¢451,952,000,000) Apart from that, the Ghana Airways Training School located at the Switchback Road in Accra, which was also valued at USD $779,250, was also sold under strange circumstances, in addition to four houses at Roman Ridge in Accra. The Roman Ridge houses were Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and were sold for a total amount of USD $322,830.00 to some unknown persons.

Again, Ghana Airways Limited had four houses at Sakumono, near Tema, which were valued at USD $31,800.00. The houses were numbered E22, C22, C24 and C26. There was also another two-bedroom house at Dansoman, also in Accra, which was valued at USD $6,300.00 together with a bed-sitter valued at USD $2,800.00. The company also had properties at Kisseiman, also in Accra, which included bungalows, flats and uncompleted buildings and bare land valued at $1,355,000.00, while it had another property valued at USD $23,000.00 at La-Ko (Labone) in Accra.

In Takoradi and Kumasi, in the Western Region and the Ashanti Region respectively, the national airliner had two houses that were valued at USD $17,800.00 and USD $16,000.00 respectively.

Ghana Airways Limited also had properties at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region and Tamale in the Northern Region as well, which were disposed of before the demise of the national carrier.

In Sunyani, it had two houses at the State Housing Area and SSNIT area, which were valued at USD $14,000.00 and USD $5,400.00 respectively.

As if the disposal of the properties in Ghana was not enough, those outside also suffered the same fate, as buildings in London in the United Kingdom and Freetown in Sierra Leon were also sold out.

In London, three buildings which were together valued at USD $973,600.00 situated at 72E London, 26St Christopher Close and 214 Wheatlands were all disposed of. In Freetown, two buildings valued at USD $248,400 located at 22 Charlotte Street and 48 Lower Pipeline were also disposed of.

Interestingly, most of the properties were in good shape before they were disposed of.

All that was needed to put some of them in top shape was simple renovation, but in a typical game of ‘giving a dog a bad name just to hang it’, the properties were sold off.

Ghana Airway Liquidation | General News 2010-05-14 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=182017)

Wizard

14th May 2010, 23:28

GIA shutdown operations as stranded passengers stone officials

Reports reaching Asempa News indicate that workers of Ghana International Airlines (GIA) have been asked to go home until further notice.

This is the latest after a series of flights were cancelled owing to contractual agreements between GIA and its partners in the United Kingdom and the recent volcanic eruption in the Iceland.

The Ghana International Airlines has been in the news in recent times for the bad reasons – it has been grounded on a number of occasions, as well as its former officials been hauled to court for roles they played in managing the airline.

There was confusion at the offices of the GIA Friday morning when passengers of the airlines who were billed to travel this week had their flight postponed indefinitely.

Sources say passengers threw stones at officials of the airlines.

A staff of the GIA who spoke to Asempa News on condition of anonymity said they are yet to be told when to report to work.

Meanwhile, an insider tells Asempa News government has taken over the beleaguered airlines.

Moreover, the Managing Director of GIA Mrs. Gifty Annan-Myrs is said to have been summoned by the Minister of Transportation Mike Hammah over the latest development.

At the time of filing this report, the meeting was underway at the ministry.

GIA shutdown operations | General News 2010-05-14 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=182074&comment=5728910#com)

Wizard

14th May 2010, 23:32

More Airlines To Fly To Ghana

Ghanaians will benefit from yet another choice of flight on the Accra – London route with the introduction of two more airlines on the route.

Virgin Atlantic will launch a new service between Heathrow and Accra, the capital of Ghana, from 24 May 2010. The airline plans to operate three services a week, subject to government approval, using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft with 240 seats onboard -34 Upper Class, 35 Premium Economy and 171 Economy. Virgin Atlantic is one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, which has operated successfully globally. It is going to be the Official Airline Supplier to the England World Cup squad.

A statement in London by the Chief Executive of the Airline, Steve Ridgway noted “We are delighted that we are able to launch services to this fast growing and vibrant capital city with its historic links to Britain, thriving economy and growing oil and gas industry. Nearly 200,000 people fly between London and Accra each year and our new services will give them more choice and better value for money. He observed that Ghana has become the gateway to Africa and that there are more prospects by way of business and economic boom. “Ghana is a beacon for economic success in West Africa, and with Africa showing greater economic resilience and growth than other global regions, we are thrilled that this will be our fifth route in Africa. We look forward to offering the best possible service to travellers between Ghana, the UK and the United States,” he said.

He mentioned the success of the airline and noted that “the success of our three year strategy requires us to build on these foundations by focusing on the business and leisure markets and driving efficiency and effectiveness, adding that safety, security and consistent delivery of the basics are the foundation of everything we do.

The London-Accra route is currently served by British Airways and Ghana Airways. The new Virgin service will operate from Terminal 3. Another European Airline, Brussels Airlines is also preparing feverishly to launch its maiden flight from London to Accra in July this year.

More Airlines To Fly To Ghana | General News 2010-05-14 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=181970&comment=0#com)

Wizard

21st May 2010, 02:11

Ghana International Airline has remained in lime light once as "Ghana Airways" and the second time as "Ghana International Airline". But unfortunately the reason for this popularity is not a positive one.

The airline was successful in selling the cheapest direct flights to Accra; however the financial condition of the airline kept weakening every passing day.

The airline firstly ceased operations duration the volcanic ash crises followed by yet again a suspension of flights in April and second week of May. That stirred up the possibilities of Ghana International going bankrupt. Thought, to date there are airlines and companies agreed to fund the airline, to clear off the huge debt but the division of shares between the airline and the governments is a major setback. In the battle field of the government and the airline, the customers of Ghana International Airlines are suffering severely. Those who have flown to Accra are not sure weather they will get the return flights as issued. Those on the way are unsure if their flights will operate or they will be going back home with heavy hearts, long face and unopened suitcases.

Yet, a point of question is for hundreds of tickets issued for June, July and December, in other words the summer vacations and the winter holidays. As these are the busiest season of the year, people have got their tickets issued well in advance. The dilemma of the whole situation is that the airline's own staff is hard to reach and therefore, there are nearly no set patterns or clear instructions for passengers suspended in the state of doubt and depression whether they will be able to fly? Or what should they do if their flights are cancelled! Most agents in this regard, are helpless and have no or little information and updates on the issue.

As rumors about Flights Suspension and liquidation of Ghana International Airlines are in circulation, immense disappointment and rising concerns in mind of Ghanaian customers is evident. We are trying our best to keep travelers posted with more updates, instructions and guide lines as received through IATA, agency and other sources.

Since Ghana International Airline has not been officially announced “grounded” or declared "Bankrupt" to date, the policy for refunds and cancellations will imply in accordance to status of flights at the time of departure/return.

Here are a few ways to handle the situation and be more informed to act in the right direction:

In case if the airline does not operate on given dates of departure/return, the traveler is eligible for refund.

Due to the existing ambiguity of the situation, incase if the traveler is demanding cancellation prior date of departure/return and prior any official declaration or announcement of airline’s suspension, the standard cancellation terms and conditions will apply. This means partial or no refund depending on the fare type.

For flights scheduled and issued for coming traveling seasons (June 2010 - Jan 2011), once the bankruptcy is filed and announced, or a clear verdict against the airline is announced, the passengers will be eligible for full refund.

Also to apply and claim refund, one can apply only within a certain period and not months after flights are announced to be suspended. Therefore immediate passenger action is mandatory.

For tickets booked & issued after May 13, 2010 ATOLL insurance will not cover for Ghana International flights. Hence people willing to travel with Ghana International should seek travel insurance on self-arrange basis. For more details and updates on flights to Ghana please call your travel agent.

GIA crises and instructions for travelers | General News 2010-05-20 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=182485)

Wizard

3rd Jun 2010, 11:10

Ghana International Airlines (Accra) suspended operations on April 29, 2010 stranding passengers. Astraeus Airlines pulled its wet leased aircraft due to unpaid debts.

The Ghana Ministry of Transport is arranging to airlift Ghana International Airlines stranded passengers stranded at Accra, London Gatwick and Dusseldorf.

Ghana International Airlines suspends operations | Business News 2010-05-21 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=182532)

Wizard

3rd Jun 2010, 11:12

A dubious business plan, an otherwise profitable business opportunity, a corrupt and technically inept and bankrupt management, a dodgy financing package and a $55 million debt ridden Ghana International Airlines (GIA).

The Former Head of Maintenance and Engineering for Ghana International Airline (GIA), Mr. Len Hobbs has blown the whistle on the darkest secrets of GIA, giving the nation an inside view on why the airline was doomed before takeoff.

According to a four page document, written by Mr. Hobbs dated January 6, 2009, the US based Aviation Expert revealed that GIA was “guaranteed to fail by launching the company with a management team with extremely limited operational experience, dubious and questionable business and personal ethics, a business plan which was incoherent and incomplete”

Mr. Hobbs who has never hidden his dislike about the way and manner the airline was operated, said the entire GIA/USA approach to operating an airline was a “PONZI SCHEME” which was never intended to be the business plan the company would hopefully and eventually evolve into.

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Ponzi scheme organizers often solicit new investors by promising to invest funds in opportunities claimed to generate high returns with little or no risk. In many Ponzi schemes, the fraudsters focus on attracting new money to make promised payments to earlier-stage investors and to use for personal expenses, instead of engaging in any legitimate investment activity.

Mr. Hobbs who still believes that GIA was and still is a profitable venture, noted that the so-called financiers whom the government of Ghana claimed at the time were going to finance the operations of the airline rather turned around to creamed off cash from the coffers of the company for their own use.

””The Sentry Group never had funding to launch an airline. They never put any money into the company and did not have access to funding. They left Ghana with more than $3M fraudulently diverted into their accounts” Mr.Hobbs revealed. The former Maintenance Engineer of Ghana International Airlines further observed that “The previous management group of GIA was an ethically corrupt, managerially inept, and operationally inexperienced. They took a potentially good (not so great) business opportunity and chose to operate a corrupt enterprise as opposed to a legitimate business. The result is obvious. The correction is optional”

Mr. Hobbs for example noted that the initial lease of aircraft from Ryan International Airlines was a “hand Shake” agreement which funneled $100, 000 per month to the five members of the GIA management team. The Government of Ghana provided most of the funding for the aircraft lease payments” he added.

Mr. Hobbs continued that “Each and every payment made to Ryan International, until the company terminated it’s relationship with GIA, regardless of the amount, included a percentage of commission paid to the management team” The Enquirer put these allegations and other questions to the management of Ryan International, in an email directed at the Chief Executive of Ryan International Airlines, Ron Ryan, but there was no response.

Hobbs, a Texas based aviation expert, noted that “the city of Houston, Texas USA, expressed interest in assisting GIA in providing a non-stop air service from Accra. They have voiced support to subsidize the operation for a limited time. This proposal was offered to the original management team of GIA and it was rejected.. because there was no inclusion of "Commissions” to be paid to GIA management.

There have been concerns that the $55M debt portfolio of Ghana International Airlines was selficted.

GIA's $55m Own Goal | General News 2010-05-24 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=182667)

Wizard

19th Jul 2010, 09:23

Ghana International Airlines (GIA) is gradually collapsing as government has decided not to fund its operations.

The airline, established in 2005, has not paid the salaries of its staff for about three or four months as a result of the support freeze. And what is puzzling is the fact that Government has refused to allow interested investors to assist the airline.

At a press conference on Friday in Accra, Sylvia Lawson, Revenue Accounting Manager of the airline, said Government’s release of funding to GIA in tranches has affected the operations of the airline since its inception.

GIA, she noted, initially requested for $55 million as part of the original business start-up, but Government provided $4.9 million while the minority shareholders provided $2.1 million. Funds invested into the business stood at $7 million leaving a wide difference of $48 million.

“There has been a significant cash flow challenge ever since and as a result of the manner in which the support to the airline is released; we have found it very difficult to execute the company’s business plan,” she stressed.

She explained that the previous government invested an amount of $46.7 million between January 2006 and December 2008, noting that $16 million was obtained from the Social Security & National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

In the case of the incumbent administration, she said it provided $16.6 million between January 2009 and April 2010, stressing that Government has provided a total amount of $63.3 million to GIA.

“Government knows that it does not have the means readily to support the airline but it will also not allow other people who are interested in investing in the company to do so.

We just don’t understand the execution of this deliberate plan to wind up GIA,” another aggrieved senior staff person, who pleaded anonymity, told CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE in an interview. Since May 8, 2010, the airline has had no flights.

He also revealed that a chunk of GIA’s market was in the Ghanaian community resident in the UK and therefore such a development did not augur well for the airline. “We have suspended sales of our tickets because we could not serve passengers who we booked earlier.”

In addition to the above-mentioned problems, GIA has had to pay GH¢120,000 in hotel bills for affected passengers. The airline has been served with an ejection notice which expired on June 30. It is also contemplating the payment of some $62,000 due to a problem it had with passengers recently.

“Investors cannot take equity stake in GIA because of the shareholder disputes with Government which owns 70 percent shares. What Government needs to do to solve the shareholder impasse is to convert its loans into equity and offload part of it to any willing investor so that it can recover every pesewa of the taxpayer’s money.”

The airline has been victim to a series of seizures from aircraft owners and fuel providers to whom huge amounts of money were owned.

Ghana International Airlines Phases Out | General News 2010-07-13 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=186043)

Wizard

19th Jul 2010, 09:26

Officials of Ghana International Airlines (GIA), say they have gone bankrupt with less than Two Hundred Ghana Cedis in the company’s account.

The woes of the once thriving Airliner continue to deepen since its operations were suspended by government due to its inability to fly passengers.

An alleged embezzlement of ticket sales by management was blamed for the suspension.

In an interview with Citi News on Thursday July 15, the Head of Cost and Accounting at GIA Mr. John Oduro said GIA employees have not been paid since April 2010.

‘‘What has really worsened our situation has been the withdrawal of government support for the company on May 7, 2010. We had our last flight on May 7 and since then, the Aircraft has been withdrawn because government could not commit itself to the extension of the work-lift arrangement we had with Astraus Air’’ he said.

Mr. Oduro revealed that due to the absence of the Aircraft, the company has about 9,000 passengers stranded in Ghana, and several others in London and New York. He said GIA had spent close to 120,000 dollars hotel bills for the stranded passengers in Accra alone, with expenses on those in New York and London yet to be known.

‘‘Sadly, in the face of all these challenges, both Ministers of Transport and his Deputy went on air and indicated that we were still operating. Those are complete lies. They also said they were investigating some allegations of embezzlement of ticket funds. The manipulations and distortions of the fact out there are quite enormous and that’s why we have decided to clarify things’’.

Mr. John Oduro said GIA’s financial burden was mainly as a result of the type of business module it was operating, and until changes were made, the company cannot be productive.

He was disappointed that government had decided to withdraw its support to the airliner instead of exploring alternative options to deal with their plight. He said it would be a total waste of the tax payers’ money for a company that owes the nation close to 64 million dollars to collapse.

“Investors have come to revive the company but government is not willing and is gradually running down the airline. ‘‘As we speak now, the company has less than 200 Ghana cedis in its account. How can you tell us that such a business is operating? We also want them to pay us our outstanding salaries.” He said.

Some GIA staff who spoke to Citi News said the company was virtually on the threshold of a final collapse since its telephone lines have been disconnected with the internet service soon to follow suit.

They said GIA’s office in Accra may soon be closed since management is unable to pay rental fees.

Shocking revelation; less than GH¢ 200 in GIA?s account | General News 2010-07-15 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=186197)

Wizard

19th Jul 2010, 09:29

Accra, July 16, GNA - The Financial Court, a division of the High Court, on Friday dismissed an application filed by three of the accused persons in the Ghana International Airline (GIA) saga requesting for relevant documents to the Supreme Court (SC) for interpretation.

The Court presided over by Mr Justice Bright Mensah upheld the submissions of Ms Gertrude Aikins, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that the case was not a constitutional matter, which had to be sent to the SC for interpretation.

Mr Acquah Sampson, counsel for Dr Richard Winfred Anane, Former Minister of Transport; Mr Egbert Faibille Jnr. Counsel for Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, Former Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Mr Sam Okudjeto, counsel for Professor George Gyan-Baffour, Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, filed three applications asking the court to order the prosecution to make available all pre-trial disclosures to aid the accused persons to defend themselves.

In addition, an order that the Attorney General should provide all the documents and witnesses it intended to call in the trial made accessible to the defence.

They also requested that the matter should be referred to the SC for interpretation because it was a constitutional matter.

Mr Justice Mensah said in his view it was not every issue that should be sent to the SC for interpretation and the lower court was not obliged to state the case before the SC.

He said sections of Act 30 which governed summary trials were not in conflict with the 1992 Constitution.

Mr Justice Mensah explained that summary trials were meant to be expeditious and reduced delays as compared to trial by indictment.

The State had opposed the application on the grounds that sections of the criminal procedure code did not allow accused persons standing summary trial to have access to such documents.

The accused persons together with Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and Sammy Crabbe, Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of New Patriotic Party (NPP), are facing 22 counts of causing financial loss to the State.

Others are defrauding by false pretences, conspiracy to deceive public officers, deceit of public officer, misappropriation of public funds, opening an offshore account without authorisation from Bank of Ghana (BoG), conspiracy to steal and stealing.

They have pleaded not guilty and the court had granted them self-recognisance bail.

The facts as presented by Ms Aikins are that Dr Anane misrepresented facts on GIAL, which was then not in existence, to Cabinet of Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and misled government to buy shares of a fraudulent company.

Dr Anane's action subsequently led to the liquidation of Ghana Airways.

The DPP said Dr Anane declared that four companies had expressed interest in Ghana Airways and later presented a letter of intent, which was signed between Government of Ghana and GIAL to form a new company called New Ghana Airways (NGA), although GIAL was at that time not in existence.

She said the memorandum Dr Anane presented to Cabinet for signing was dated September 9, 2004 but GIAL was not in existence at that date.

Ms Aikins said that although PriceWaterhouse Coopers had rated NGA, which had signed an agreement with government to form GIAL, third after KLM and Ghanair, two other companies, which had submitted their bids to take over Ghana Airways, however, NGA won the bid.

She said Mpiani, on June 2, 2005, wrote to the Chairman of Government Taskforce on Ghana Airways Limited authorising the taskforce to take all necessary steps to put the airline into formal liquidation.

The DPP said Dr Akoto-Osei signed a loan agreement, committing the government to a financial obligation of paying GH¢15 million from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to GIAL.

She said Dr Akoto-Osei gave the amount from SSNIT to GIAL as a loan, without Parliamentary approval and at a time when the minority shareholders of the Airline had abandoned the company by withdrawing 1.9 million dollars from GIAL account without the consent of majority shareholder, Government of Ghana.

Ms Aikins said Mpiani authorised the release of six million dollars to GIAL in September 2008, without Parliamentary approval.

According to the prosecution, Crabbe, who represented the minority shareholders in the company, on June 27, 2005 withdrew 1.9 million dollars from the Government of Ghana's account, without approval from the government (the majority shareholder).

Court dismisses applications by Anane and others | General News 2010-07-16 (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=186258#)