Italy has asked the government of Ghana to demonstrate greater interest in solving the problems bedevilling the Ghana Airways to warrant Italian government support to the ailing national carrier.
Senator Alfredo Mantica, the visiting Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa and Middle East was reacting to a request from the Minister of Roads and Transport for support from Alitalia for the Ghana Airways.
He said even though Alitalia from whom support is being sought is a private entity," we believe we can help and advice in one-way or the other to get support for Ghana Airways. He said Italy needs assurance from the Ghana government among other things that, the 26-million-dollar debt Ghana Airways owes Alitalia in the form of cost of airline repairs will be guaranteed.
Senator Mantica noted that Italy and Alitalia believes in Ghana Airways hence the soft approach adopted to solve the differences between the two airlines. He said the problem was important for two reasons since when it is solved; it “would lead to an increase in flights between the two airlines, something which is being stalled by the debt.” Secondly, for Italian investors to come here to invest, we need a satisfactory atmosphere, confident those problems like what Alitalia is facing now does not occur."
Senator Mantica is accompanied by a private business delegation of eight, and will hold discussions with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Food and Agriculture, Works and Housing, Private Sector Development, Senior Minister and private sector operators.
He said Italy wants to have stronger ties with Ghana and West Africa, adding that, it is no coincidence that we are in Ghana first."
Earlier, Dr Richard Anane said Ghana welcomes Italy's cooperation with her and "would do everything to ensure that the right atmosphere is created for successful business operations.
On Aviation, Mr Anane said discussions are underway to sort out the sore points between Ghana Airways and Alitalia to clear the path for further discussions.
On the road sector, he said it is a major focus of government, adding that, investment by private sector operators is welcome. The roads where Ghana requires investment from Italy are the Accra-Cape
Coast, Accra-Aflao, Accra-Kumasi and Kumasi to the Northern Region all of which would be tolled.
