United States and Ghanaian registered company Goldstar Air, a private international airline with an issued Air Carrier Licence (ACL/N-SCH No. 0239) from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and no liabilities as of today, has also secured incentives from major airports worldwide. The airline, authorized by its Licence to operate passenger and cargo flights across West Africa and on intercontinental routes, is ready to establish an Aviation Training School in Tamale. This initiative is set to transform Ghana’s approach to aviation education, skills development, and job creation, positioning the Tamale metropolis as a center of aviation excellence and a beacon of progress for West Africa. Goldstar Air will obtain authorization from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as an authorized training institution, in support of the airline’s Project $1 Trillion foreign reserves goal.
Goldstar Air’s Aviation Training School in Tamale will stand as one of the most significant milestones in Ghana’s aviation history, producing graduates who are purposeful, confident, and ready for the job market. It will embody the nation’s aspiration to nurture a new generation of skilled professionals who will redefine the aviation industry not only in Ghana but across Africa and beyond. The establishment of this training school represents the culmination of vision, innovation, and commitment to capacity building, affirming the belief that human capital development remains the foundation of sustainable national growth. In a rapidly globalizing world where air transport drives trade, tourism, technology, and cultural exchange, the importance of professional training and technical competence cannot be overstated. The school will also help Goldstar Air recruit skilled professionals and boost self-sufficiency in a sector long dominated by external players. Each year Ghana’s tertiary institutions produce approximately 110,000 to 300,000 graduates, but only about 10% secure employment within the first year of graduation. A larger percentage face underemployment or fail to secure stable employment in the formal sector. This Aviation Training School will therefore be the live wire for the youth to transition into the workforce, where job opportunities abound.
Goldstar Air has sought international intervention to look into the issuance of the airline’s wide-body aircraft Safety Certificate (AOC) and waiting for the outcome, as the process is above halfway and it has been over eight years that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is not willing to authorize a qualified third party to examine and complete the remaining phases of the certification process. Completion of this certification will enable the change of the wide-body aircraft’s nationality, allowing it to be registered under the Ghana Registry (State of Registry) and for Goldstar Air to commence operations. The change of aircraft nationality or registration from one state to another is referred to as a cross-border transfer of aircraft. Once the nationality mark is selected, the State notifies the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The registration mark, assigned by the State of Registry, consists of letters, numbers, or a combination of both. Typically, aircraft are registered in the jurisdiction where the carrier is resident or based and may enjoy preferential rights or privileges as a flag carrier for international operations.
The World Bank has stated that Ghana’s rapidly growing youth population (aged 15-35), will potentially rise to 17.7 million by 2050, and has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy, but only if sufficient job opportunities are created. The Bank recommends that a key focus should be on youth and their transition from school to work, ensuring they acquire the skills needed for a modern economy in order to provide strong employment opportunities essential for realizing the demographic dividend. The Goldstar Air Aviation Training School in Tamale is not just an educational institution; it is a gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and economic transformation. It will provide a tangible pathway for young Ghanaians, particularly in the northern part of the country, to access well-paying, future-oriented careers that were once beyond their reach. Therefore, there is no need to delay the issuance of Goldstar Air’s Safety Certificate, which will help kickstart the 24-hour economy and create over two million direct and indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians. The Ghanaian youth cannot wait any longer in the ghettos, they need the airline’s biweekly, and well-paying jobs now.
The Minister of Youth Development and Employment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has cautioned that the growing rate of joblessness among young people has serious implications for national security and requires urgent, joint efforts to resolve. Speaking in an interview on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Minister described the situation as deeply worrying, noting that youth unemployment should be a shared concern for both citizens and policymakers. He stated that the scale of unemployment being witnessed is alarming and presents a significant risk to national security, emphasizing that everyone must take the issue seriously, even as government interventions are underway to drastically reduce the figures.
Ghana’s Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has also indicated that the pace of job creation remains too slow to drive a sustained decline in unemployment. New job creation is still not fast enough to absorb new entrants into the labor market. He added that youth unemployment consistently exceeds the national average, with the highest rates (32.4%) recorded among persons aged 15 to 24. In addition, about 21.5% of young people aged 15–24 were not in employment, education, or training (NEET). This represents a significant loss of productive potential and underscores the urgency for targeted youth employment and skills development interventions. Urban unemployment remains higher than rural unemployment, and females continue to experience higher unemployment rates than males.
Youth constitute a vital resource for growth and development when they are gainfully and productively engaged. However, if this potential is poorly managed, it could become a source of civil conflict and social tension. Disaffected youth without access to education, employment, or the prospect of a meaningful future may fuel instability, migration, radicalization, and violent conflict. The underutilization of young people’s skills not only exposes them to social exclusion but also perpetuates intergenerational poverty. For these reasons, tackling youth unemployment is a key priority on Goldstar Air’s development agenda.
The establishment of Goldstar Air’s Aviation Training School in Tamale aims to end the decades-long trend of Ghanaian students spending millions of dollars abroad on pilot and aviation training. It reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between education, economic empowerment, and national development. Aviation, by its nature, is a multidisciplinary field that requires expertise in engineering, management, operations, customer service, marketing, logistics, and safety. Yet, for decades, Africa’s aviation sector has been constrained by a shortage of skilled professionals, forcing airlines and airports to rely heavily on expatriate labor and overseas training. Goldstar Air’s initiative directly addresses this gap by creating a world-class training facility that empowers local talent to meet international standards. This investment is not merely about teaching aviation; it is about transforming the mindset of Ghanaian youth and equipping them with the knowledge, discipline, and confidence to excel in a competitive global industry. For the first time, Ghana will be able to train, and maintain wide-body aircraft locally, saving costs and building long-term national value.
Goldstar Air will be collaborating with the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure onboard safety and security on board the airline’s aircraft. In compliance with this directive, Wing Commander Kwame Asare-Boateng was directed to meet with officials of Goldstar Air to discuss the modalities for both the selection and training of Air Marshals. The meeting addressed the need for specialized training for nominated Marshals. Candidates must be highly disciplined, well-mannered, possess appreciable height, and have a good physical appearance. Proficiency in the French language will be an added advantage. The training will be conducted by the 64 Infantry Regiment. The airline agreed that the Goldstar Air Marshals’ Office would be headquartered at the Air Force Headquarters, with office accommodation provided. Goldstar Air will also supply office equipment, including desktop computers, tables, chairs, internet facilities, and all items necessary to furnish a modern office to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, was strategically chosen as the location for this landmark institution for several reasons. The city’s growing infrastructure, coupled with the recent expansion of Tamale International Airport, positions it as a key gateway for domestic and regional air transport. By situating the Aviation Training School in Tamale, Goldstar Air is decentralizing opportunity and ensuring that development is not concentrated solely in Accra or Kumasi but reaches every part of Ghana. The North, often overlooked in terms of industrial and educational infrastructure, will now host a cutting-edge aviation academy that rivals the best in Africa. This strategic decision will serve as a catalyst for regional development by attracting investment, stimulating local businesses, and inspiring a generation of young people to pursue technical and professional excellence.
The training school’s core mission is to produce highly skilled aviation professionals who meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and other global regulatory bodies. The curriculum will cover a broad range of disciplines, including flight operations, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, cabin crew management, air traffic control, aviation safety, and airport administration. In addition to technical courses, students will receive training in communication, customer service, leadership, and ethics, ensuring they graduate not only as competent professionals but also as disciplined ambassadors of Ghana’s aviation future. Through this comprehensive training approach, Goldstar Air aims to produce well-rounded graduates who can seamlessly integrate into both local and international aviation environments.
According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air, Eric Bannerman, one of the most significant impacts of the Tamale Aviation Training School lies in its potential to create employment opportunities. The aviation sector is known for its vast career diversity, ranging from pilots, engineers, and flight dispatchers to safety inspectors, cargo handlers, and administrative staff. With the establishment of this institution, thousands of young Ghanaians will gain access to specialized education that directly leads to employability, and the ripple effect will be immense. As more students graduate, they will fill roles within Goldstar Air’s operations, airports across Ghana, and other regional and international carriers. This localized training pipeline will reduce dependency on foreign expertise, save the nation millions in overseas training costs, and foster a self-sustaining aviation workforce that keeps economic benefits within Ghana’s borders.
The Aviation Training School will also serve as a hub for research, innovation, and collaboration in the fields of aerospace and transportation. By working closely with international aviation academies, aircraft manufacturers, and technical partners, Goldstar Air will ensure that its students have access to the latest knowledge and technologies shaping the industry. Tamale will become a center of innovation where ideas on sustainable aviation, green technology, and safety systems are developed and tested. The school’s facilities, from its simulation centers, hangars, laboratories, and classrooms, will be designed to meet the highest global standards, creating an environment where excellence is not optional but expected.
The presence of the Aviation Training School will further transform Tamale’s socio-economic landscape. The institution will attract educators, investors, and aviation professionals from around the world, increasing demand for housing, hospitality, and services. Local businesses will benefit from the influx of students and professionals, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports education and industry growth. Furthermore, the project will inspire Tamale City infrastructural development and surrounding communities, including better roads, improved telecommunications, and expanded utilities. Tamale will evolve from a regional capital into a key industrial and educational hub, helping to bridge the long-standing North–South development divide that has persisted for decades in Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
The airline’s commitment to inclusivity will ensure that the school provides opportunities for all segments of society, including women and persons with disabilities. Aviation, traditionally a male-dominated industry, will see increased female representation as young women are encouraged and supported to pursue careers as pilots, engineers, and cabin crew members. This empowerment through education aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities. The school’s scholarship programs and outreach initiatives will target underprivileged communities, ensuring that talent, not background, becomes the determining factor for admission and success.
Goldstar Air’s Aviation Training School will instill core values of discipline, patriotism, and service in its students, beyond technical education. The airline’s philosophy emphasizes that success in aviation is achieved solely through skill but also through character. Students will be trained to approach their duties with integrity, teamwork, and accountability, values that reflect both the airline’s ethos and Ghana’s cultural heritage. These principles will guide graduates throughout their careers, shaping them into professionals who not only excel technically but also contribute positively to society.
The long-term impact of the training school extends beyond the aviation sector itself. By building a critical mass of skilled professionals, Goldstar Air is indirectly contributing to national economic diversification. Aviation stimulates other industries such as tourism, logistics, hospitality, agriculture, and trade. As the training school produces qualified personnel, these sectors will benefit from improved efficiency and professionalism. For instance, trained cargo handlers and logistics experts will enhance Ghana’s export capabilities, particularly for perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, ensuring they reach international markets in excellent condition. Similarly, improved air connectivity will boost tourism, with Tamale becoming a gateway to the Northern Region’s rich cultural heritage, including Mole National Park, Larabanga Mosque, and the vibrant Damba Festival.
The establishment of the Aviation Training School will also strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional hub for education and aviation. Neighboring countries that lack such institutions will look to Ghana for training and expertise. This will create opportunities for international collaboration, attract foreign students, and generate foreign exchange revenue. Over time, Tamale will host regional aviation conferences, workshops, and exhibitions, further cementing its reputation as a center of aviation excellence. Goldstar Air’s vision is therefore not confined to Ghana alone but extends across the entire continent. The aviation training school will create a multicultural learning environment, welcoming students from around the world. This intercultural competence will help graduates feel comfortable working in different countries throughout their careers or sharing the cockpit with pilots from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Addition to Goldstar Air’s educational and economic contributions, the training school will play a vital role in promoting safety and standards within the aviation industry. Safety remains the cornerstone of global aviation, and the quality of training directly influences safety culture within airlines and airports. By producing highly trained personnel, the school will help raise the bar for operational safety standards across Ghana and the wider region. This will enhance the confidence of passengers, regulators, and investors, leading to greater trust in Ghana’s aviation system. The presence of competent professionals will ensure that maintenance procedures, flight operations, and emergency responses strictly adhere to international best practices.
Goldstar Air’s decision to establish the training school in Tamale also reflects its commitment to corporate social responsibility and national unity. The company recognizes that Ghana’s progress must be inclusive, and that the development of the Northern Region is essential to achieving equitable growth. This project will send a powerful message that every part of Ghana has the potential to contribute to national transformation. It will demonstrate that, with vision and investment, the North can become a hub of technology, innovation, and skilled labor, complementing the economic activities of the South.
The Aviation Training School will further contribute to youth empowerment by addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges: unemployment. The country’s youthful population represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Without proper training and job creation, unemployment can hinder development and lead to social instability. Goldstar Air’s initiative directly tackles this issue by offering practical, career-oriented education that leads to real employment prospects. Every student who graduates will become not only employable but also a potential entrepreneur capable of creating value within the industry. Some may establish maintenance firms, flight schools, logistics companies, or consultants, thereby multiplying the impact of Goldstar Air’s initial investment.
The training school will establish strategic academic partnerships with Ghanaian universities and technical institutions through joint research projects, internships, and exchange programs to enhance the quality of aviation education nationwide. Goldstar Air’s collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and international partners will ensure continuous curriculum improvement and accreditation, maintaining global relevance. By aligning with emerging industry trends, such as green aviation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in air traffic management, the school will position Ghana at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Key aspect of Goldstar Air’s philosophy is mentorship. The Aviation Training School will not only impart technical skills but also connect students with experienced professionals who can guide their career development. Mentorship programs will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Graduates will have access to career counseling, job placement services, and continuous professional development, ensuring their skills remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
The training school will integrate sustainability principles into both its curriculum and infrastructure as part of its operational model. Environmental responsibility is an increasingly important priority in aviation, and future professionals must understand the need to reduce emissions, manage waste, and conserve energy. Through courses on sustainable aviation practices, students will be equipped to lead Ghana’s transition toward greener and more efficient air transport systems. The school’s campus itself will reflect this commitment, featuring energy-efficient buildings, solar power integration, and environmentally friendly facilities that serve as a living laboratory for sustainable design.
Mr. Bannerman emphasized that the socio-cultural impact of Goldstar Air’s Aviation Training School in Tamale cannot be overstated. It will reshape perceptions of education, employment, and opportunity in northern Ghana. Parents will see new possibilities for their children, and communities will experience renewed hope and pride as their youth gain access to international careers. This transformation will inspire a cultural shift toward valuing technical and vocational education as key pathways to success. The ripple effects will extend to secondary schools and community institutions, encouraging students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines that form the foundation of aviation studies.
The airline’s 24-hour service will offer a unique Student Work-Study Program designed to support students in their academic pursuits while providing valuable work experience. Students will be permitted to work with the airline for 8 to 10 hours per week. This flexible schedule will ensure that they can balance work commitments with academic responsibilities. A portion of each student’s earnings will be allocated toward tuition fees, helping to reduce the financial burden of higher education. The remaining earnings will be paid directly to the students as salary, providing them with a steady source of income.
Students will have the opportunity to take on various roles within the airline, including administrative support, customer service, and assistance with flight operations. These roles will offer hands-on experience and help students develop skills relevant to their fields of study. Goldstar Air’s support for students will include direct financial contributions toward tuition fees, enabling them to manage their educational expenses more effectively. In addition, students will gain practical work experience that will enhance their résumés and significantly improve their employability after graduation.
Goldstar Air’s Student Work-Study Program is a win-win initiative for both students and the airline. Students will receive financial support, gain valuable industry experience, and develop essential professional skills, while the airline benefits from the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought by young talent. Working across different departments within Goldstar Air will enable students to build competencies in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical and operational knowledge.
The EASA Zero-to-Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL-A) course is designed for students with little or no flying experience who wish to pursue a professional aviation career in accordance with EASA regulations. During the Zero-to-ATPL ground training phase, trainees will complete the theoretical requirements for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL-A), Instrument Rating (IR-A), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL-A), and Multi-Engine Land (MEL-A). Candidates must be at least 18 years old and capable of holding a Class 1 FAA and EASA medical certificate. The Integrated ATPL Flight Training Course will be conducted in six structured phases, covering developing basic flight skills, initiation to complex flying, introduction to commercial flying, advanced flight techniques, advanced upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), and multi-crew cooperation (MCC).
Goldstar Air’s initiative also demonstrates the transformative power of private-sector leadership in national development. While governments play a critical role in policy formulation and regulation, the private sector often drives innovation and execution. By investing in education and training, Goldstar Air is fulfilling a social and economic responsibility aligned with Ghana’s broader vision of industrialization and human capital development. This leadership example is expected to inspire other corporations to adopt similar initiatives, fostering a culture of corporate citizenship that prioritizes long-term societal impact over short-term profit.
The Aviation Training School in Tamale will therefore stand as a lasting legacy of visionary leadership and strategic investment. It will be more than an institution; it will be a movement toward empowerment, innovation, and pride. It will embody the dream of a self-reliant Ghana that trains its own pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals. It will symbolize hope for thousands of young men and women who once believed such opportunities were beyond their reach. It will tell the story of an airline that refuses to be constrained by geography or circumstance, an airline determined to rise on the wings of knowledge and ambition.
Graduates of the school will go on to serve in airports, control towers, maintenance hangars, and corporate offices across Ghana and beyond in the years to come. Each graduate will carry the name and legacy of Goldstar Air and the city of Tamale, serving as ambassadors of excellence and professionalism. Their success will validate the vision behind this initiative and reinforce the belief that when education, enterprise, and patriotism unite, a nation can achieve extraordinary results.
Goldstar Air’s Aviation Training School in Tamale is a declaration that the future of Ghana’s aviation industry lies in the hands of its people. It is a call to action for young Ghanaians to dream beyond boundaries, rise above limitations, and claim their place in a global industry that rewards skill, discipline, and determination. Through this bold initiative, Goldstar Air will not only build a school but also plant the seeds of a brighter and more prosperous future for Ghana, a future where the skies are not the limit, but the beginning.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, is committed to providing scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo air services. Its initial operations will connect Ghana to North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The airline has selected Washington, Rhode Island, London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Toronto, Milan, Hamburg, Madrid, Rome, Düsseldorf, Lagos, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Monrovia, and Abidjan as key originating cities. Where necessary, direct non-stop services will be deployed, positioning Ghana as a critical aviation hub for intra-African trade, tourism, and global commerce.
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