One of Ghana’s imaginary airlines has named an imaginary plane after the president of Liberia…
In this post:
Goldstar Air & Global Ghana Airlines basics
There are two airlines connected to Ghana that are not particularly real — one claims to be Ghanaian, while the other just has “Ghana” in its name.
There’s Global Ghana Airlines, a Chicago-based “airline” that was supposed to fly between Chicago and Accra. The airline put tickets on sale just weeks before the inaugural. The airline claimed that the launch was delayed because deicing fluid is expensive, and because the airline accidentally hired low altitude flight attendants. Right, I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that the airline didn’t have any planes.
Then you have Goldstar Air, which is planning on setting up hubs in the Caribbean and London, and plans on flying between Accra and Baltimore. The airline has an absolutely fascinating routemap, with destinations including:
- Abidjan, Brazil
- Dakar, South Carolina
- Guangzhou, Iraq
- Lagos, Kenya
- London, Germany
In 2017 the airline won the “most promising airline of the year award.” Meanwhile the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has warned that both of these airlines are misleading consumers.
Goldstar Air naming plane after president of Liberia
Goldstar Air is honoring the president of Liberia by naming one of its aircraft in his honor. A ceremony took place for this special occasion on October 1, coinciding with the president’s 54th birthday.
As Goldstar Air’s announcement states (bolding mine):
“This plaque represents our love to you and the people of Liberia for your selfless, bold and remarkable leadership skills of putting Liberia on the World Map,” said Mr. Bannerman as he presented a plague to the Liberian Leader.
Hmmm…
Goldstar Air’s CEO also revealed during this meeting that the airline will have more than 100 modern aircraft flying to a network of more than 90 destinations across the globe.
And there’s even great news for Liberia — Goldstar Air plans to “rise to the occasion by ensuring a robust and effective strategy designed to make the aviation industry viable in Liberia.” Goldstar Air plans to cooperate with the government of Liberia to revive the national airline, and to create more jobs.
This isn’t the first time that Goldstar Air has announced plans to name planes after political leaders. The airline had previously announced plans to name planes after Ghanian leaders (present and past), including having the following registration codes:
- 9G-AKUFO-ADDO
- 9G-JOHN MAHAMA
- 9G-ATTA MILLS
- 9G-JOHN KUFFOUR
- 9G-JERRY RAWLINGS
Those are some long registration codes, eh?
Bottom line
Maybe it’s time that I “start” an “airline” and have meetings for naming “planes” after leaders. If only Goldstar Air’s management put as much effort into ordering planes as it did into naming planes. But ordering planes costs millions of dollars, while a plaque costs maybe a few dollars, so…
It’s sad that this airline tries to harm the reputation of Ghanaian aviation, because the country does have a couple of solid, legitimate airlines. Just look at Africa World Airlines, which is well managed and running an incredible regional operation.
In the meantime, I continue to appreciate the entertainment that Goldstar Air provides…
The Liberian President is a famous footballer playing at some Europe League - AC Milan of Italy; Paris St Germain of France. He won FIFA player of the year at 1995.
One time I invested a bunch of money in Baltia Airlines. That was a fun experience. Very educational.
@Steve_cc You beat me to it!
I was going to say those destinations almost spell out Baltia.
@John - Unfortunately, while you may find it amusing (which it is to an extent), it is sadly not a joke. In the case of Global Ghana, it was potentially fraud that involved violations of both US and Ghana law and was investigated by authorities in both countries. These actions were propagated from Chicago, not from Ghana. So calling it a Ghanaian airline is misleading. Ben has made the appropriate edits here, so that issue is clarified.
@Sean M
Firstly, thank for dispensing with acronyms, so we can understand you without recourse to google. Secondly, lighten up! Stop being a party pooper and join us in enjoying the running joke.
I'm naming my 747-600 Hans Grubber and my 747-900 Johny Lawrence.
Die hard real karate kid!
Bargepole Airlines!
While I have enjoyed several local dishes while in Accra, I’m not sure I want to be entertained in flight with Ghanaian blockbuster movies. Who knew?
Anyone has any idea who is the Asian guy in the photo? Very suspicious.
What’s the business model in fake airlines? Is it fund raising?
I've been following Mr Bannerman's growing fleet with interest, amazing destinations with prices possibly lower than Ryanair's!!!
Must remember not to read your articles whilst in a Zoom meeting drinking coffee!
Thanks for the laugh, every month there's another twist to the Bannerman tale! The Liberian authorities are looking into it I'm sure!
Global Ghana is NOT a Ghanaian airline. It is a US entity based in Chicago as you are well aware from your dealings with them. Please try not to feed the stereotype of African things being fraudulent when that one is an all-American home grown fraud.
Goldstar however....
The joke is on you, Adrian, since you can't read a map (or you didn't bother to). The map points to Guangzhou, China as being located in Iraq, along with a number of other mistakes that Lucky pointed out.
Brilliant!
My bad I misread
I wouldn’t make fun of their typos when you just stated the Guangzhou is in Iraq! ;)
@ Adrian -- You may want to take a closer look at their world map. ;)
lol, presented a plague
Baltia airline is definitely jealous of the headlines that Goldstar is getting, they need to make a big announcement or say they are buying up some a380s for their Baltimore to Trenton route.