The Government of the Republic of Liberia (GOL) and Ghanaian carrier Goldstar Air (GSA) has signed a strategic partnership to revive the National Airline of the country. The New National carrier of the Republic of Liberia has been named and branded as LONE STAR AIR (Wings Of Liberia) and will initially be flying to eleven West African destinations from Monrovia, namely Accra, Abuja, Lagos, Abidjan, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Ouagadougou, Bissau and Sao Tome.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Oppong Weah is keen to create more jobs for the citizens of Liberia by reviving the national carrier which ceased trading about Thirty years ago (1990), so after some years of consultation His Excellency has settled on Goldstar Air management services. The President deems it necessary to initiate plans for a dedicated aviation driven development as strategic goal of using it as a driver of social economic transformation and the major objective of Lone Star Air business operations is to attract more visitors to Liberia and in order to achieved this, the marketing strategy will be instituted on the characteristics of the low-cost carriers package and tours operation methodology which has to date been successful in North America and Europe.

At a meeting with some of his Ministers of State and Goldstar Air officials before the signing ceremony, the President said the airline will provide the aviation community in Liberia the opportunity to share and disseminate vital industry information to strengthen and improve the air industry and also link it to the national development which will create jobs for the youth. Some of the jobs which the youth will benefit are Pilots, Ground Service Crew, Service person in maintenance, Cabin crew, Counter Agents, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Country Managers, Stations Managers, Accountants, flight dispatch, Drivers, Marketing Personnel, Air Marshalls, Cargo Agents, Catering Services, Hoteliers, Fuel Suppliers etc.

His Excellency’s aviation ambition is to upgrade the Monrovia Airport by building a Maintenance base (MRO) which will ensure safety and airworthiness of all aircrafts by international standards and also a Cargo Village which will maintain a cost effective inbound and outbound flow of cargo and third party logistic service provider (E-Station Cargo) with a dedicated transportation chain that will implement and control the efficient flow and storage of goods, service to meet customer’s requirements.

Goldstar Air Management Services as part of the joint venture with the country’s government will ensure that the right goods, in the right quantities, in the right condition are delivered to the right place at the right time for the right cost, taking into account that our primary focus as a trend-setting airline will be to focus on top quality, short turnaround time and promoting highly competitive prices and ensuring excellent customer service.

The Liberian Transport Minister, Honourable Samuel Wlue signed the MOU on behalf of the Government of Liberia, and the Executive Chairman/CEO of Goldstar Air, Mr Eric Alfred Bannerman signed on behalf of the airline, on the 3rd October 2020 at the President’s Office.

Present to grace the occasion were the Liberian Minister of Information, Honourable Eugene Nagbe, Liberian Minister of Commerce and Industry designate/Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Mawine Diggs, Maxwell Anafo of E-Station Cargo and Jibiao Ye of E-Station Cargo.

Aviation is crucial to international business, trade and tourism which Liberia and Ghana can both benefit a lot from, as well as both airlines as we stand to widen our destinations by codeshare / interline strategic agreement to boost the west Africa connectivity to the rest of the world.

Goldstar Air, a wholly owned Ghanaian Airline in conjunction with E-Station, a Chinese logistics international Limited have presented an assortment of personal protective equipments to the Ghana Forestry Commission to boast their tourism activities, especially to enhance their fight against the ravaging menace of the Coronavirus. The items which consist of boxes of nose masks and face shields are also to help and promote the activities, operations and running of the Accra Zoo.

The manager of the Cargo service department of the airline, Mr. John Ashong–Mettle told this reporter that the gesture is to boast the morale of the officers to unable them give off their best and stay out of harm’s way. He said that the presentation is Goldstar Air corporate social responsibility to assist the management of the forestry commission as they go about with their obligation in the face of the Coronavirus storm. The items presented on behalf of both companies by Mr. John Ashong–Mettle of Goldstar Air and Jibiao YE of E-stations Logistics International Limited and were received by Dr. Richard Gyimah, Acting Director – Stakeholders and Ecotourism of the Ghana Forestry Commission. Dr Gyimah who was elated and full of praise for Goldstar Air, thanked the organization for the priceless gesture and admonished that other corporate bodies to take a cue from Goldstar Air to make similar donations.

Mr. John Ashong–Mettle asserted that the airline is positioned to work in harness with the Ghana Forestry Commission to ensure that the outside world would keep their gaze continually focused on Ghana by unearthing and harnessing the potentials of Ecotourism in the country.

Present to grace the occasion were officials from Goldstar Air included the Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air, Mr. Eric Bannerman, Mr. Charles Nettey(Airport Manager), Mr Edmund Lamptey(Cabin Crew), Ms Emelia Yeboah Boateng(Cabin Crew), Ms Rachael Quaynor (Cabin Crew), Mr Edwin Lamptey (Cabin Crew), Excel Norman (Cabin Crew), Nana Ankam Kwabeng (Cabin Crew) and Mr Maxwell Anafo (Staff of E-station Logistics Limited).

Accompanying the Acting Director to receive the personal protective equipments were Ms. Cornelia Danso (Manger, Commercial Development Unit), Ms Ernestina Anie (Manger Public Relations, Wildlife), Mrs. Sandra Frempong (Assistant Manager Commercial Development Unit). The others included Mr Fred Yabiri (Assistant Public relation Officer Wildlife of the Forestry Commission), Mr Martin Ofei, Ms Alice De-Graft, Ms Karen Kpelle, Ms Nana Yaa (Assistant Public relation Officer, Forestry Service Division) and Mr Mills Heward.

Goldstar Air has signed an agreement for a strategic partnership with E-station International Logistic Limited to use their office and cargo warehouses in Guangzhou initially for our operations in China to make Ghana the cargo Hub in West Africa by ensuring direct Cargo flights to and from China, and also creating more jobs for the Youths.

The Chinese Logistics Company has been moving volumes of Cargo around the world and is certified in China to operate globally. Therefore Goldstar Air sees the association as a strategic partnership that will give the two companies the competitive advantage. The Airline will coordinate all efforts to maintain a cost effective inbound and outbound flow of Cargo and third party logistic service provider with a dedicated Transportation Chain that will implement and control the efficient flow and storage of goods and services that will meet customers’ requirements.

Goldstar Air will be coming up with integrated platform that will give leverage to exporters of Ghanaian goods who have registered with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). The airline will put at the disposal of all the companies who have signed on to our integrated platform for free advertising space, on our in-flight magazine, integrated platforms and aircrafts screens during takeoff and landing to promote, publicize and make their merchandise or products tick and also sell their made-in Ghana products as duty-free on board, adding that the exporters should be willing to sign an agreement with the airline to be the sole transporter.

The airline will also sign agreement with Courier service companies who have the skill-set for security, tracking service and can also provide fast and reliable services throughout Ghana to and from the airport for a shorter delivery time.

The management of the airline will ensure that the right goods, in the right quantities and in the right condition are delivered to the right places at the right time for the right cost, taking into account that our primary focus as a trending-setting airline will be to focus on top quality short turnaround time and promoting highly competitive prices and ensuring excellent customer service.

The airline will initially be flying to twelve namely, London, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Dubai, Providence International Airport, Guangzhou, Dakar, Lagos, Monrovia, Abidjan, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry and pending cities, Atlanta-Georgia, Chicago-Illinois and Houston-Texas. Goldstar Air is also projecting a fleet of more than one hundred (100) modern aircrafts to a network of more than ninety (90) key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and North America.

Our Intentions as Ghanaians is to build a state-of-the-arts and trend setting aviation industry able to compete within the intentional market in terms of safety, quality, reliability, punctuality, efficiency and costs effectiveness.

Wholly owned Ghanaian carrier, Goldstar Air, has honoured President George Manneh Oppong Weah by naming one of its aircrafts in his honour.

Goldstar Air Executive Chairman/CEO Mr. Eric Bannerman along with his team bestowed the honour on President Dr. Weah Thursday, October 1, 2020, at ceremonies marking the celebration of the President’s 54th birthday.

"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. Mr. Bannerman disclosed that the decision to honour President Dr. Weah stems from his overwhelmingly successful career as a professional footballer, and the great achievements in accelerating Liberia's reconstruction and development at an unprecedented pace.

"Mr. President, though you hanged your boots many years ago you still stand tall as a pillar of extraordinary natural talent and exemplary sportsmanship, Mr. Bannerman asserted. He continued: "You became the first African to annex the European Most Valuable Player Award. An honour that stands you out as the greatest player to be exported from this continent to abroad. "Mr. President, on assuming the reins of power, when you talk about Liberia today, your eyes light up and swell with pride of the progress the country is making. It is on the basis of these achievements that Goldstar Air is here to bestow on you this honour by naming one of our aircrafts after you."

In response, President Dr. Weah, who was flanked by the Ministers of Finance and Development Planning and State for Presidential Affairs Honorable Samuel D. Tweah and Honorable Nathaniel McGill, thanked Goldstar Air for the felicitations and best wishes accorded him during his birthday.

According to Mr. Bannerman, Goldstar Air is a wholly owned Ghanaian airline and will be initially flying to twelve destinations including London, Baltimore, Washington International Airport, Dubai, Providence International Airport and Guangzhou. Others are Dakar, Lagos, Monrovia, Abidjan, Freetown, Conakry, Banjul, Atlanta-Georgia, Chicago-Illinois and Houston-Texas. The Goldstar Air CEO further revealed that his company is also projecting a fleet of more than one hundred (100) modern aircrafts to a network of more than ninety (90) key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and North America.

"As a Pan African airline originating from Ghana and also as the host country for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) we will also like to honour all African Presidents of the countries which we will be flying to,” Mr. Bannerman averred. He, however, reaffirmed Goldstar Air’s commitment to rise to the occasion by ensuring a robust and effective strategy designed to make the aviation industry viable in Liberia."

To this end, the management of Goldstar Air will like to cooperate with the government of Liberia to revive the National airline of the country which will create more Jobs for the youth here and also benefit the continent of Africa."

Wholly owned Ghanaian airline Goldstar Air and International logistic company E-Station Cargo Limited have presented an assortment of Personal Protective Equipments, the airline branded T-Shirts and Caps to Events Powerhouse, Agidor Events, the Naa GaDangme 2020 beauty pageant which was put together by both the Event management and TV Africa with the aim of empowering young GaDangme ladies in the Ga State and its environs to Promote, Portray and Project the Rich GaDangme Culture. It is also seen as a way of educating the masses on GaDangme Tradition and to promote tourism in Ghana.

The much anticipated event is scheduled for nine weeks, where the Winner will be crowned as the Naa GaDangme Trip to the United States of America, Educational Scholarships and with a cash prize of Ghs 10,000.00.

1st Runner Up gets Ghs 6,000.00, Educational Scholarships and an Electronic Gadget. 2nd Runner Up also gets Ghs 4,000.00, Educational Scholarships and an Electronics Gadget.

The contest was not limited to only women in a particular area but open to young ladies within the Ga state who are eloquent and bold. The Event organizers decided to meet the Ga State Traditional Council for their approval and support, they gladly approved because they also realized it was a worthy cause. The pageantry has come to stay because aside it empowering women, it’s here to build the confidence of many young ladies, as well as make them more productive in promoting, portraying and projecting the GaDangme Culture and Tradition.

As the momentum gathers and the excitement for the Naa GaDangme reaches fever pitch, the question begging for answer remains; Who Wears The Crown? The contestants for Naa GaDangme 2020 are Naa Nuerkie-Kpone, Naa Meeley-Prampram, Naa Adjorkor-Teshie, Naa Kwaley-Ga Mashie and Naa Ayeley-Nungua. The rest are Naa Amerley-Osu, Naa Adorkor-La, Naana Asi-Ada, Nana Koryo Kloyobi-Krobo and Nana Bueki-Shai.

Eric Bannerman: CEO of Goldstar Air Receives Most Inspiring Personality Award in Aviation.

The Global Stewadship Network, the organizers of Global Stewardship Awards in the UK, South Africa and Ghana on Monday 1st June 2020, presented THE MOST INSPIRING PERSONALITY IN AVIATION AWARD to the Executive Chairman and CEO of Ghanaian airline company, Goldstar Air, Mr. Eric Bannerman at the Head Office of the Airline by Maame Yaa Baima of Global Stewardship Network and a Newscaster with Peace FM.

A Citation extraordinare was also gratefully presented by Maame Yaa Brema to the Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air in recognition and sincere appreciation of outstanding loyalty and dedication towards humanity.

The honour recognizes the commitment demonstrated towards humanity, dedicated and committed to responsibilities entrusted to him and have results which we cherish today.

The Citation further reads that "We carry in our hearts the uniqueness of your service and may the almighty God strengthen, increase you in wisdom and build you in stature" - and also thanked him for his great contribution.

The company recently received the MOST PROMISING AIRLINE OF THE YEAR AWARD at the Quality Excellence Awards at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.

The decision for also awarding the airline was arrived at having carefully evaluated the business performance, the stress, the strong positive relationship, through mutual support and respect to their execution, loyalty, conduct and achievements during the your under review.

According to the Executive Chairman, Mr Eric Bannerman the airline's great work has increasingly been recognized which marks another milestone for the Goldstar Air and a testament of the delicacy executive of the airline strategic intiative to leverage its local and global exposure as well as presence to arrive positive change in the country and Africa as a whole for a smooth take off.

Goldstar Air will improve the Ghanaian economy through the provision of affordable and available international business and also improve the lives of Ghanaians through affordable and available international travel provide job opportunity and aviation relates training to Ghanaians especially the youth.

The airline has pledged to offer seed money of Five Thousand Ghana cedis (Ghc 5,000) for travel agencies that have registered with Ghana Tourism Authority for over a year in support of the corona virus.

He further explains that the agencies must also be willing to apply for Goldstar Air's Local Billing System and the same amount or more to serve it's tickets.

Goldstar Air is a wholly owned Ghanaian Airline which plans to utilize the country's status as the "Gateway to West Africa".

The airline will initially be flying to twelve destinations worldwide from Accra, namely London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Washington Baltimore International, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry, Providence International, Dakar, and pending cities, Atlanta-Georgia, Chicago-Illinois, Columbus-Ohio and Houston-Texas.

Goldstar Air will be flying one of the youngest fleets in the sky, featuring the world’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly aircrafts and projecting a fleet of more than 100 modern aircrafts to more than 90 key business and leisure destination across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and North America.

Source: xliveafrica.com

Coronavirus; Goldstar Air To Offer Ghc 5,000 Seed Money To Travel Agencies

Goldstar Air, a wholly-owned Ghanaian airline has pledged to offer seed money of Ghc 5,000.00 for travel agencies that have registered with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for over a year.

Mr. Eric Bannerman, Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air, announced the package in an interview with Rainbowradioonline.com, after the airline indicated its readiness to start operations.

He further explained to Rainbowradioonline.com that the agencies must also be willing to apply for Goldstar Air's local billing system and pay the same amount or more to sell its tickets.

He was asked what the airline company which also has a travel and tour agency as a subsidiary, would do to bring back travel agencies, which are fading gradually due to COVID-19 and competition from operating airlines.

Mr. Bannerman answered: ‘Instead of Goldstar Air directly competing with the travel agencies, we intend to establish good working relationships in the form of strategic alliances to keep all of the Ghanaian travel agencies in business for them to keep their staffs as well.

"As a matter of fact, about 90 per cent of the travel agencies in Ghana do not have the international billing system because of the $50, 000 bank guarantee, so this will come as a relief to them and we will also offer Ghana tour operators competitive air tickets to their clients, ensuring customer satisfaction at all times."

He expressed appreciation to the United States of America, to have offered them two years free landing, parking, advert and office space by Mr. Pimental, Assistant Vice President Air service Development at Providence International Airport and Mr. Storck, Director Air Service Department and Strategic Analysis at Baltimore Washington International Airport.

He disclosed: "In Scotland, which will be our future destination, we have been offered one year free landing, parking and office space by Mr. Paul White, Business Development Manager and Mr. Robert Love, Aero Commercial Analyst at Glasgow International Airport."

Mr. Bannerman said the objective of Goldstar Air was to focus, promote and protect the interests of Ghanaians. The airline will do its part to help improve the Ghanaian economy through the provision of affordable and available International business. Improve the lives of Ghanaians through the provision of affordable and available international travel and provide job opportunities and aviation-related training to Ghanaians especially the youth.

Goldstar Air will be creating a minimum of five thousand direct and indirect jobs in Ghana. Some of the jobs which the youth will benefit are Pilots, Ground Service Crew, Service person in maintenance, Cabin crew, Counter Agents, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Country Managers, Stations Managers, Accountants, flight dispatch, Drivers, Marketing Personnel, Air Marshalls, Cargo Agents, Catering Services, Hotel Accommodations, Fuel Suppliers etc. Goldstar Air will also bring more benefits to travelers in terms of services and fares.

The airline has, therefore, made adequate provisions to cater for passengers by introducing Ghanaian dishes, listen to announcements, tit-bits in our local dialects, watch local movies and also listen to local music as a way of showcasing the Ghanaian culture to the rest of the world. Goldstar Air cabin crew will be selling made in Ghana goods and promoting Ghana tourist sites on board, as we would like our passengers to have a smile when leaving our offices and our aircrafts.

He said: You can sign up for our Frequent Flyer miles on our "Chalewote" card which worth more per mile when you fly on Goldstar Air long haul flights and business class seats. Goldstar Air will like to move together with our cherish passengers that is why the Frequent Flyer card is named "Chalewote" which in the Ghanaian local dialect means "Lets Go Together".

Goldstar Air's operation is to inject a rapid growth to the West African tourism market which is currently under-serviced. As a Ghanaian registered Company, we plan to utilize the country's status as the "Gateway to West Africa" to develop the West Africa market by introducing scheduled flights from all the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African.

The airline will initially be flying to twelve destinations worldwide from Accra, namely London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Washington Baltimore International, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry, Providence International, Dakar, and pending cities, Atlanta-Georgia, Chicago-Illinois, Columbus-Ohio and Houston-Texas. Goldstar Air will be flying one of the youngest fleets in the sky, featuring the world’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly aircrafts and projecting a fleet of more than 100 modern aircrafts to more than 90 key business and leisure destination across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and North America.

Source: Rainbowradioonline.com

Indigenous Ghanaian Airline, Goldstar Air is due to commence the Goldstar City Project in the Northern Regional Capital, Tamale soon.

BestNewsGH.com can confirm that the Goldstar City Project will encapsulate; accommodation, training school for its engineers, pilots, cabin crew and other staff of the airline.

The project according to the Executive Chairman of the Airline, Mr. Eric Bannerman is envisaged to create some 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for the people of Tamale and its environs.

This he explained, will open up business opportunities for the Northern sector of the country.

Again, the Airline is set to construct a 250 x 250 x 75 hanger in Tamale to cater for the maintenance, repairs and refurbishment of aircrafts.

Mr. Bannerman also announced plans by the company to adopt Tamale as its hub and to market it to the international community.

BestNewsGH.com can also report the Goldstar Air Executive Chairman as saying the company is also set to build a state of the art and trendsetting aviation industry that would compete with the international market in terms of quality, safety, punctuality, efficiency and cost.

He said “Goldstar Air will have seventy per cent local content of Ghanaian food, music, movies and announcements in Ghanaian dialects, as well as exporting labour through agency on call, charter and aircraft leasing.’’

Commercial Director of Goldstar Air, Dede Sika Tetteh on her part opined that the Airline has pitched camp and opened offices along the West Coast of the African continent including Lome, Abidjan, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Dakar as well as Lagos.

Source: BestNewsGH.com

Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air, Mr. Eric Bannerman has said the Airline, being truly Ghanaian is motivated to name its aircrafts after prominent Ghanaians.

Goldstar Air, a wholly owned Ghanaian airline has unveiled plans to name some of its aircrafts after prominent Ghanaians, particularly, the president and former presidents.

This came to light when Management of the Airline honoured the National Chief Imam with a citation and also announced plans to name an aircraft after him.

Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air, Mr Eric Bannerman who led the delegation to the Fadama residence of the National Chief Imam said "We are here today to honour the Chief Imam, and to tell him that we will name one of our aircraft after him as well as bring to his notice how we will collaborate and work efficiently with the Zongo communities in the country."

Mr Eric Bannerman announced the aircraft naming pattern as follows:

9G-AKUFO-ADDO, 9G-JOHN MAHAMA, 9G-ATTA MILLS, 9G-JOHN KUFFOUR and 9G-JERRY RAWLINGS in that order.

On infrastructure to herald its operations in the country, the Goldstar Executive Chairman revealed plans by the company to build a state of the art and trendsetting aviation industry that would compete with the international market in terms of quality, safety, punctuality, efficiency and cost.

He said “Goldstar Air will have seventy per cent local content of Ghanaian food, music, movies and announcements in Ghanaian dialects, as well as exporting labour through agency on call, charter and aircraft leasing.

Additionally, Mr. Bannerman said the Airline was also in the process of constructing a 250 x 250 hanger in Tamale for repairs and refurbishing of aircrafts and to adopt the Tamale Airport as its hub.

BestNewsGH.com can confirm that the Airline is also coming up with the Goldstar City project, to be sited in Tamale, and would encapsulate; accommodation, training school for its engineers, pilots, cabin crew and other staff of the airline.

The project, he said is envisaged to create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and open up business opportunities and position Northern Ghana to the rest of the world.

Madam Dede Sika Tetteh, Commercial Director of Goldstar Air, announced that the company’s offices along the West Coast have opened in Lome, Abidjan, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia and Dakar and Lagos.

Source: BestNewsGH.com

Goldstar Air, a wholly-owned Ghanaian company has honoured the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu for the contributions he has made towards enhancing religious tolerance and societal harmony in Ghana.

Presentation

Presenting the citation to the Chief Imam during a ceremony on Wednesday (December 25, 2019) in Accra, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Goldstar Air, Mr Eric Bannerman announced that the company will additionally name one of its aircraft after the Chief Imam.

"We are here today to honour the Chief Imam and to tell him that we will name one of our aircraft after him as well as bring to his notice how we will collaborate and work efficiently and effectively with the Zongo communities in the country," Mr Bannerman said.

He said as part of efforts to bring development to Zongo communities across the country his outfit would be collaborating with the Office of the National Chief Imam on several projects.

The citation described the Chief Imam as an embodiment of peace and commended him for his exemplary style of leadership and management skills.

Goldstar Air projects

Mr Bannerman disclosed that his outfit was finalising plans of a project named Goldstar City in Tamale which will see the construction of a hangar for repairing and refurbishing aircraft.

He stressed that the facility when fully operational will open up business opportunities and also position the Northern Region of Ghana to the world.

"Goldstar Air will build a hangar in Tamale for repairs and refurbishing of aircraft and adopt the Tamale airport also as our hub. The airline is coming up with Goldstar City project which will be sited in Tamale and it includes accommodation, training school for our engineers, pilots, cabin crew and other staff of the airline," Mr Bannerman explained.

"Alhaji Dr Nuhu Sharabutu, I am pleased to announce that Goldstar Air is also projecting to have a fleet of more than one hundred (modern aircraft to a network of more than ninety key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and North America.

"I am glad to say, Goldstar Air will have seventy per cent of local content of Ghanaian food, music, movies, and announcements in Ghanaian languages with a language from the North featuring prominently and as well export trained labour through agency on-call, charter and aircraft leasing".

Acceptance

Receiving the citation, the Chief Imam expressed gratitude and prayed for God's protection and blessings for the CEO and his staff.

He also prayed for peace and national cohesion among all faiths and religious groups across the world.

Source: Graphic Online

Accra, Dec 26, GNA - Goldstar Air, a wholly Ghanaian owned airline on Wednesday, 2019 Christmas Day honoured Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam with a citation, and announced that it would name one of its aircraft after him.

“We are here today to honour the Chief Imam, and to tell him that we will name one of our aircraft after him as well as bring to his notice how we will collaborate and work efficiently with the Zongo communities in the country,” Mr Eric Bannerman, Executive Chairman of the Goldstar Air said, at the Chief Imam’s palace, at Fadama, in Accra.

The naming of the aircraft after the Muslim cleric and leader puts him the naming tradition of naming its aircraft after former Presidents of Ghana.

Mr Eric Bannerman had earlier said the planned naming of the aircraft after the leaders would take the following method: 9G-AKUFO-ADDO, 9G-JOHN MAHAMA, 9G-ATTA MILLS, 9G-JOHN KUFFOUR and 9G-JERRY RAWLINGS in that order.

The management of Goldstar Air, in the citation extended its compliments to the National Chief Imam, and praised him for his “remarkable tolerance” and working together harmoniously with all the faith-based organizations in the country.

“Alhaji Dr. Sharabutu, you have inspired us with your exemplary style of leadership and your management skills put you in a class all by yourself,” the citation read.

It added: “As a man who embodies peace, you have worked tirelessly to ensure that the teeming youth in the country excel in whatever career path they choose, and through your kindness, self-sacrificing and compassionate efforts, a lot more youths have secured for themselves meaningful balance in society.”

The Goldstar Executive Chairman announced that the company intends to build a state of the art and trendsetting aviation industry that would compete with the international market in terms of quality, safety, punctuality, efficiency and cost.

“Goldstar Air will have seventy per cent local content of Ghanaian food, music, movies and announcements in Ghanaian dialects, as well as exporting labour through agency on call, charter and aircraft leasing,” Mr Bannerman said.

He announced that the company would build a 250 x 250 hanger in Tamale for repairs and refurbishing of aircraft and adopt the Tamale Airport as its hub.

Also, the airline is coming up with Goldstar City project, which would be sited in Tamale, and would include; accommodation, training school for its engineers, pilots, cabin crew and other staff of the airline.

This, he envisaged would create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and open up business opportunities and position Northern Ghana to the rest of the world.

The Chief Iman, speaking Hausa, through an interpreter, said appreciatively, “I’m profoundly grateful, may Allah elevate your company.

Madam Dede Sika Tetteh, Commercial Director of Goldstar Air, announced that the company’s offices along the West Coast have opened in Lome, Abidjan, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia and Dakar and Lagos.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Goldstar Air, a wholly owned Ghanaian company, has received an Air Carrier Certificate from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate scheduled and non-scheduled flights to 11 destinations across the world, including Baltimore in the United States of America and Gatwick in the United Kingdom.

The company, which is waiting for its Air Operators Certificate to enable it to start full operations by the second quarter of next year, is also expected to fly to nine destinations, which are Guangzhou, Dubai, Monrovia, Lagos, Abijan, Freetown, Dakar, Conakry and Banjul. It will be using the Boeing 767-300 ER for its long haul routes while the Boeing 737-300 ER will be used on the West Coast.

The Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air, Mr Eric Bannerman, told the Daily Graphic in an interview shortly after receiving the certificate that “when we start flying, we will be the third airline in Ghana to fly directly to the United States of America after Delta and South African Airways and the second to fly directly to the UK after British Airways”.

"What is even more refreshing for our fellow Ghanaian businessmen and women who travel to China and Dubai is that we will be the first to fly directly from Accra to Guangzhou in China and the second to fly directly to Dubai," he added.

Mr Bannerman described the feat chalked up by the company as most refreshing and unique and even promised that the management would ensure that flights were on time.

The entry of Goldstar into the already competitive aviation market, particularly on the American and London routes, is expected to stir up the industry to bring more benefits to travellers in terms of services and fares.

Luggage

Mr Bannerman said "after studying the market over the year, we have realised that Ghanaians travel heavy and therefore we have made adequate provisions to cater for their needs".

He said the company, in its quest to meet the flying needs of Ghanaians, will allow three bags of 23 kilos each on board per passenger unlike the industry’s allowance of only two bags.

"The three bags will be without the hand luggage and that, as I said, is being done to enable Ghanaians have the opportunity to travel heavy at no extra cost", he said.

Cabin crew

Mr Bannerman said the cabin crew would be purely locals.

"We will not have any foreigner on board because we have many qualified cabin crew in Ghana and they will be used", he said "adding that they will also be trained to sell Ghana wherever their destinations are".

Mr Bannerman said while on board, Ghanaian dishes would be served and local movies would be shown as a way of showcasing the Ghanaian culture to the rest of the world.

Present to grace the occasion were Mr Paul Kontoh, Director, General Services, Mr Daniel Acquah, and Director, Safety, all from the GCAA. Others were Mr Charles Nettey, Airport Manager, Mr Theophilus Eze, Director of Communications, Goldstar Air and Mr George Lartey, Goldstar Representative in London.

Source: ghanaweb

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended Goldstar Air, a privately owned Ghanaian airline, on how far it had reached in its efforts to operate air services.

"Let me take this opportunity on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to congratulate Goldstar Airline for how far the airline has come in its quest to operate air services to and from Ghana,” Aviation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, said at the inauguration of a new head office building of the airline, at Ashalley Botwe, Accra.

Mr Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry of Aviation, read the Aviation Minister’s speech. The airline last December acquired the Air Carrier License, and processes to acquire the Air Operators License (ACL) have gone very far.

It has also completed training for its cabin attendants, and intends to provide Ghanaian dishes on board with the intention of establishing a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre to help maintain aircraft both in Ghana, the sub-region and beyond.

"I must say that this fits perfectly into our aviation development agenda and collaboration with the private sector".

"It therefore comes as no surprise that as part of its preparations, the airline has put up this structure we are all currently viewing and about to open to enable them conduct their operations professionally," Madam Dapaah said.

She indentified aviation as a “catalyst for the socio-economic development for many countries, and a sector that contributed immensely to employment generation and wealth creation.

"It is in the light of the above that H E… Akufo Addo sees the Aviation Sector as a key in the NPP Government's agenda for change and hence established a complete Ministry to focus on the strategic development of the sector," the Minister said.

She reiterated the policy of the Government of Ghana to develop Ghana as a hub for international and regional operations by working with private sector, adding that in the area of security and safety, "Government policy is to build capacity in the industry and also put in place all measures to ensure the sustenance of high safety and security standards."

Madam Dapaah assured operators in the aviation industry that the Government would support and encourage local airlines and entrepreneurs to set up strong private airlines that could fully utilise all of the nation's route rights, most of which were dormant thereby giving a form of operational monopoly for foreign carriers on those routes.

"The Government is also poised to establish a national airline with private sector participation to support our policy of making KIA an aviation hub in the region," Madam Dapaah assured.

The Aviation Minister urged the airline to speed up processes to see “aircraft in the skies” and take off existing best practices in the sector.

Mr Eric Bannerman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Goldstar Air announced that the company would be operating scheduled and non-scheduled flights from Accra to 11 destinations, namely London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Lagos, Monrovia, Dakar, Banjul, Conakry, Freetown, Abidjan, Baltimore and Washington.

He said the airline had made adequate preparations for takeoff during 2017 summer and would rely mainly on Ghanaians, meaning that it would create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs when the airline commences its operations fully.

Nii Amasa Asuku II, the Chief of Mamprobi and Head of Nii Tetteh Gbeshi Family in Accra, who chaired the inauguration, praised the location of the office, explaining it would allow the airline to monitor flights in the air.

Mr Bannerman, together with Madam Christiana Quartey, and other dignitaries joined hands in cutting the sod to inaugurate the building.

Ghanaian airliner Goldstar Air as part of efforts to indigenize its operations and rely on Ghanaians to man the aircrafts has successfully ended a two day cabin crew recruitment exercise in Accra.

Out of over four thousand Ghanaian professionals who applied for the jobs, two hundred applicants were shortlisted in the first Phase of the exercise and are yet to meet management on Thursaday October 6, at Airside hotel for further assessment. According to authorities, the names of the new recruits are being sent to the Ghana civil aviation authority for training and later moved to the company’s hub in the Caribbean to begin operations.

In a press release copied to GhanaWeb, the Chief Executive of Goldstar Air Eric Bannerman, said the focus of the company is to promote and protect the interest of Ghanaians, in view of this, Goldstar Air will roll out special services tailored to the needs of the aviation and tourism sectors.

He however added "the selected applicants will be the face of the airline, they will also be selling Ghanaian culture, interacting with passengers in the local languages and making announcements in the local languages. Some of the Ghanaian local languages which will be the first of its kind on a commercial flight will be Ewe, Fante, Ga, Akan and hausa".

"Other new things to be introduced by Goldstar Air is the local food, local drinks, Ghanaian movies and documentaries on Ghana's tourist sites in all our aircrafts flying in and out of Accra", he said.

This he said will showcase and promote the rich Ghanaian culture. He also mentioned that his company is working closely with some Hotels and Guest houses to have exclusive packages for organizations and institutions such as Churches, Student bodies in Europe, America and the Caribbean on visit to Ghana.

On his side, the Director of Communications at Goldstar Air Theophilus Eze, said when the airline gets off the ground it will rely on expatriates as the cockpit crew but will unfold a tailor-made course of study to be undertaken by some Ghanaians who would be sent abroad to train as pilots in order to have a handle on piloting the Boeing series which Goldstar Air will be using.

After the training, the company's pilots will do a period of apprenticeship with the expatriate colleagues to get hands on experience and knowledge in line with the Goldstar Air plans of replacing foreign pilots with Ghanaians.

The crew will be based at main hub which will be Accra and the three others which will be Europe, Caribbean and North America hubs.

Our European hub will be Stansted airport which will service flights going to Accra and the Caribbean, making some pick ups in some European cities before its destination in the Caribbean. Our hub in the Caribbean will service flights to Baltimore and Stansted. whiles the Accra hub services West Africa, Dubai and Guangzhou, Baltimore hub will as well service flights to Accra and the Caribbean.

This will see our Ghanaian cabin crew interchanging and working within cities in the West Africa, Caribbean, North America and Europe.

According to Theophilus Eze, some of the cabin crew recruits are former Ghanaian beauty pageant.

"Pageants who have been among the top four of their respective pageants, notably the Miss Tourism, Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant show and others. Our brand ambassador Akweley who is the head of the cabin crew represented the Greater Accra region during the Ghana's Most Beautiful Pageant show," he said.

The brand ambassador Akweley also noted that, as a lead representative of the airline, her role will be, to have an oversight of the Ghanaian cabin crew and also market the country to the array of passengers by throwing more lights on the rich cultural heritage of mother Ghana when the aircraft finally takes the ground.

Management of Goldstar Air, a wholly-owned Ghanaian airline yet to begin operations, is counting on the values of top quality, short turnaround time, highly competitive prices, and excellent customer service shared between the airline and its strategic partners to provide trend-setting services in the aviation industry."

The company, expected to ply international routes, projects to initially fly to twelve destinations worldwide from Accra, which includes London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Baltimore Washington International, Providence International, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry and Dakar.

Goldstar Air recently signed an agreement for strategic partnership to use Ethiopian’s Maintenance Repair Organization MRO and hopes to leverage on Ethiopia’s 1,800 fully qualified technical staff and state of the art maintenance hangar and paint hangar facility certified by competent regulatory bodies like Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ETCAA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

"Our intention as Ghanaians is to build a state of the art and trend-setting aviation industry in terms of safety, quality, reliability, punctuality, efficiency and costs," the Goldstar Air CEO revealed.

He said the airline will be sending personnel of the company, who are retired young Airforce engineers and pilots for type rating in Ethiopia on Boeing aircrafts soon.

"The engineers will be back and work as assistants while the pilots will come as first officers, till they all gain more experience on the Boeing aircraft, which will make them captains on their own."

Mr Bannerman said preparations are far advanced for Goldstar Air aircrafts to be flown to the Ethiopian MRO for final servicing and paint works.

Source: Gold Street Business

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest aviation group in Africa and Goldstar Air, multiple award winner and wholly owned Ghanaian airline have signed an agreement for strategic partnership to use Ethiopian”s Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO).

The MRO of Ethiopian Airlines has over 1,800 fully qualified technical staff and state of the art maintenance hangar and paint hangar facility certified by competent regulatory bodies like Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ETCAA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Based at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Airlines MRO, established in 1957, provides services for aircrafts, engines and components has four main hangars used for airframe maintenance.

These are a closed-door hangar to accommodate one Boeing 767/787/777; and a closed-door hangar to accommodate two Boeing 767/787s or four Boeing 737 size airplanes at the same time.

The third hangar is an open door and can accommodate three Boeing 737 size airplanes and the fourth is an open door Hangar that accommodates two Q400s.

Also, Ethiopian Airlines has two warehouses for over 100,000 line items; the first is dedicated to aircraft parts whereas the second is used for commercial and bulk items which will be very beneficial to Goldstar Air.

Mr Eric Bannerman, the Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air said with any technical and engineering assistance anywhere in the world, they will immediately dispatch Ethiopian Airlines personnel to the place where the repair works will be carried out.

“Their values at the Maintenance Repair Organization focus on top quality, short turnaround time, highly competitive prices, and excellent customer service.”

According to Mr Eric Bannerman, the airline will be sending personnel of the company, who are retired young Airforce engineers and pilots for type rating in Ethiopia on Boeing aircrafts soon.

“The engineers will be back and work as assistants while the pilots will come as first officers, till they all gain more experience on the Boeing aircraft, which will make them captains on their own.”

Mr Bannerman said preparations are far advanced for Goldstar Air aircrafts to be flown to the Ethiopian MRO for final servicing and paint works.

Ethiopian will also livery Goldstar Air colours which will also reflect the wings of Ghana and the logo of the supporting bank on the aircrafts.

Goldstar Air will be initially flying to twelve destinations worldwide from Accra, which includes London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Baltimore Washington International, Providence International, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry and Dakar.

“Our intention as Ghanaians is to build a state of the art and trend-setting aviation industry in terms of safety, quality, reliability, punctuality, efficiency and costs,” the Goldstar Air CEO said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Goldstar Airlines, Eric Bannerman, has appealed to the government to grant Ghanaian airline operators some privileges and waivers which will cushion them against their foreign competitors and give them a head start as they try to get a footing in the local aviation market.

Speaking at the commissioning of the airline’s head office at Ashaley Botwe, Accra, he expressed his appreciation to the authorities of Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport and Providence International Airport all in the USA for accepting to give Goldstar Air two years of free landing, parking, office space at the airport and taking care of our adverts,” Bannerman announced.

Continuing, the CEO said the offer of free landing parking and office space to Goldstar Air at some of these international airports it plans flying to, in the United States of America (USA), is very significant. In the absence of these incentives, he opined, the airline will have to struggle to catch up with the competitors.

Explaining further, he added that these fees are paid by all aircraft whether private, corporate or commercial that lands at any airport must pay a landing fee. The fees fall under the category of runway charges at the airport and also includes take-off fees in addition to those charged when a plane remains on the ground at an airport, usually for longer than a two-hour turnaround time. Landing fees are based on maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of a plane, which is based on the ratings specified by the aircraft manufacturer.

Specifically, Mr. Bannerman mentioned Mr Tony Storck, Director Air Service Department and Strategic Analysis of Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport and Mr Tim Pimental, Assistant Vice President Air Service Development of Providence International Airport all in the USA for this tremendous support and incentives Goldstar Air is receiving from the American authorities and therefore appealed to the Ghana government to grant same or twice the incentives Goldstar Air, the Ghanaian owned airline is receiving from the American authorities.

He said Goldstar was adequately prepared for a take-off during 2017 summer and its operations would create about five thousand direct and indirect jobs.

In a speech read on her behalf by a representative of the Aviation Ministry, sector Minister Cecilia Dapaah, said government was willing to support the new airline because of the critical role the aviation industry sector will play in revamping the country’s economy with respect to opening up its agriculture, trade and tourism for further growth and development .

Dapaah said government’s policy is to develop Ghana as an international hub for international and regional operations by working with the private sector to provide a modern and attractive air transport infrastructure.

Source: ghanaweb

Mr Samuel Allotey, the Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, says processes to finalise preparations for Goldstar Air, an emerging wholly Ghanaian airline and four others, would soon be completed for the airlines to take off.

Goldstar Air is originally scheduled to begin its flight operations by June 2017, but has been confronted with few paper work challenges, which caused a delay in its take off.

However, Mr Allotey, assured the travelling and the business communities that the airlines, which are undergoing various stages of processing will take off in 2018 to bring significant improvements in the aviation industry. Gehab Award Events organised the awards, at which it conferred on Goldstar Air, the Most Promising Airline Company of the Year. It was on the theme: “Awarding Loyalty through Service.

Mr Allotey said the arrival of the new airlines will bring competition and more options to travellers.

"So things will get better. There will be more competition in the coming months or by the end of 2019," he said.

"We will see a few more operators doing local, regional and intercontinental flights," he added.

Goldstar Air, Smile Air, DAC and Montrac Air are undergoing certification; and Asamoah Gyan’s Airline has already received an air carrier license.

Starbow and Africa World Airline are currently the only two airlines operating in Ghana, but a recent accident involving Starbow, which led to its suspension, leaves the local air travelling public to depend only on Africa World Airline, a situation that could lead to some short-term challenges.

The expected commencement of operations of the new carriers in a few months time would change the face of local, regional and intercontinental travel from Ghana.

Ms Felicia Cobblah, the Head of Human Resource, received the award on behalf of Goldstar Air, presented by Nana Osafo Kantanka Adjei, the Vice President for Business Development, Government Relations and Communications of TAQA Africa.

Madam Judith Worlali, the Managing Director of Gehab Events, said the award acknowledged, appreciated and brought together outstanding professionals and organisations whose behaviour was an inspiration to others.

She commended Goldstar Air for building a reputation amongst its contemporaries and its efforts at job creation among diverse professions. She said the decision to give the award to Goldstar Air was arrived at having carefully evaluated the business performance, which strived for the highest customer satisfaction.

The award scheme is a prestigious annual scheme, which cuts across the whole of Ghana with the aim of centralising the strength and relationship that exists between customers and organisations.

The quality service excellence awards targets the Transport, Banking, Manufacturing, Packing and Unpacking, Hospitality, Automotive and Security industries.

Goldstar Air impressive strides in corporate social responsibility, corporate vision, inspiration and pioneering innovations in Ghana are critical parts of the country’s transformation agenda toward economic growth.

Mr Eric Bannerman, the Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air, announced that the Airline would fly to 12 destinations worldwide namely; London, Dubai, Baltimore Washington, Guangzhou, Providence International Airport, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Conakry, Banjul and Dakar.

"Our intention, as Ghanaians, is to build a state of the art and trend-setting aviation industry able to compete within the international market in terms of safety, quality, reliability, punctuality, efficiency and costs," he said.

Goldstar Air would improve the Ghanaian economy through the provision of affordable and available international travel and provide job opportunities, he said.

Source: ghanaweb

Goldstar Air, a wholly owned Ghanaian airline, has received an international award, presented in Accra by the Christian Philanthropist Forum, an international faith-based organization.

The award, presented at the Annual Lecture and Awards by the Christian Philanthropist Forum in Accra, was in recognition of the airline, which recently was honoured as “The Most Promising Airline Company of the Year” at the Quality Excellence Awards.

Mr. Eric Bannerman, the Executive Chairman of Goldstar Air received the prestigious award, presented by Mr. Oscar Ugoh of Corporate Guardian Africa.

Mr Bannerman thanked the Christian Philanthropist Forum and assured the nation that Goldstar Air would not rest on its oars, but strive for excellence with tailor-made services suited to the aviation and tourism industries.

Mr. Theophilus Edzie, the Communications Director of Goldstar Air, said the company was pursuing a strategic initiative to leverage its local and global exposure as well as presence for positive change in the aviation industry in the country and Africa as a whole.

The airline, he said, will be flying to twelve destinations worldwide, namely: London, Dubai, Baltimore Washington International, Guangzhou, Providence International Airport, Lagos, Abidjan, Monrovia, Freetown, Conakry, Banjul and Dakar.

“Our intention, as Ghanaians, is to build a state-of-the art and trend-setting aviation industry, able to compete within the international market in terms of safety, quality, reliability, punctuality, efficiency and costs.”

This, he believed, would improve the Ghanaian economy through the provision of affordable and available international business and also improve the lives of Ghanaians through the provision of affordable and available international travel.

Furthermore, it would provide Job opportunities and aviation related training to Ghanaians especially the youth.

Mr Edzie announced that the airline will be creating a minimum of 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Ghana, which would include pilots, ground service Crew, service persons in maintenance, cabin crew, counter Agents and travel agents.

Others would be tour operators, country managers, station managers, accountants, flight dispatchers, drivers, marketing personnel, air marshals, cargo gents, movies producers and catering Services among others.

According to Bishop Peter Kayode Falarungbon, the Convener, the Forum is poised to identify more of such personalities and companies with the aim of encouraging them in order to leave a good legacy for future generations.

Six awards were presented to distinguished personalities and companies who are changing Lives and imparting communities positively at the Annual Lecture and Awards night, held on the theme: “Imparting Society Positively through Philanthropism”.

Others recognised at the ceremony were Madam Vanessa Addo, Managing Director, Vaniado Ghana; Madam Catherine Nelson, General Manager, Bajfreight & Logistics Tema; Mr. Bode Oseni, Managing Director of RegencyNem Insurance Ghana Limited; Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Alabi, Founder, Mission of Hope; and Madam Genet W. Michael, Country Manager, Ethiopian Airlines.

Source: ghanaweb

Accra, June 9, GNA - Goldstar Airlines, a private Ghanaian Airline has presented a sponsorship package to Mr Alexander Tetteh, the winner of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) 80th anniversary special “What Do You Know” radio quiz contest.

The package is made up of a visa, ticket and accommodation, from Accra to South Africa and back.

Mr. Eric Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer, assisted by Major Albert Don Chebe (rtd), Director General of the GBC, and Ms Anita Baidoo, Marketing Manager of the company in the United Kingdom (UK), presented the package to the winner at the end of the special contest, held at the GBC in Accra.

Mr. Bannerman appealed to companies to support such education activities to get more people to participate to promote the search for knowledge and education.

He commended Mr Tetteh on winning the contest, and urged the youth and those in school to continue to read and learn to acquire more knowledge.

Ms. Baidoo announced that Goldstar would sponsor the next edition of the quiz, to the United States and the first runner-up to the UK.

According to Ms Baidoo, the flight is planning to serve Ghanaian dishes, accompanied by Ghanaian music and announcements in the local languages.

She said the flight is scheduled to run Accra-Baltimore (Washington) - Accra, Accra-Gatwick (London) Accra, Accra Guangzhou (China) - Accra, and assured customers of timely arrival and departures.

Major Don Chebe, described the weekly “What Do You Know” programme as one which had stood the test of time. The Director General announced that the National Broadcaster is merging both radio and television.

Mr Tetteh, spoke about the need for one to read more to build knowledge.

Mr. Fred Danso Amoako came second, Mr Nurudeen Mohamed, a final year medical student the University of Cape Coast, took the third position with a cash prize and certificate.

Other contestants were Mr John Chapere, visually challenged, Mr Raymond Akpatsa, Daniel Kojo Aboagye, and veteran contestant Kafui Atsutse.

They were awarded cash prizes and certificates.

Source: ghana news agency

Accra, May 14, GNA - Goldstar Airline is to team up with Seasons Travel and Tours International to open a multimedia group to support persons with disability in Ghana. The multi-media group to be called Pidic Multimedia, has been registered with the Registrar General's Department and will start work soon after the Goldstar Airline begins operations in Ghana on June 13.

Mr Eric Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seasons Travel and Tours said the Pidic Multimedia, which would be based in Accra would comprise a television station, a radio station, newspaper and an online sports website. The CEO told Ghana News Agency, in an interview in Accra that the multimedia group would be manned mainly by the disabled, and the chunk of the content of the newspaper and the programmes in the broadcast media would focus on issues affecting the disabled.

He expressed regret that there is a deliberate attempt to sideline people with disabilities, and added that disability should not be seen as inability. Citing Dr Henry Seidu Daanaa, Minister of Chieftaincy of Affairs, as an inspiration, Mr Bannerman said the physically challenged could contribute more to the progress and development of the nation if offered the platform and assistance.

"We hope to help the disabled in society. The stations would be manned by the physically challenged. We have neglected them for far too long. We have to create space for them in the society," Mr Bannerman said. He said Pidic Multimedia would be used to propagate the issues of the disabled.

According to the CEO, issues of health, education, sports and other welfare issues would feature prominently in its programmes. Mr Bannerman, who is also the Founder and President of the National Disabled Supporters Union said Goldstar Airline is to collaborate with Seasons Travel and Tours to airlift more than 500 disabled supporters from Ghana to cheer up Ghanas national football team, the Black Stars, in next months World Cup tournament in Brazil.

He recalled that the Seasons Travel and Tours provided similar support to the disabled during the last African Cup of Nation Tournament in South Africa. "Persons with disabilities are always sidelined when it comes to mobilisation of supporters to international competitions, and I think it is discriminatory.

"We want to offer them the opportunity to be part of history this time. That is why we have decided to form the group to serve as a platform for mobilising supporters to the World Cup, he stated. He said when the Goldstar Airlines commences operations next month it would fly Accra -London- Accra two times weekly and Accra-Baltimore-Accra two times weekly.

The airline would also do Accra-Guangzhou-Accra once a week as its local partner Seasons Travel and Tours International offers free visas to all people traveling on the airline to Brazil. Mr Bannernman said the airline is also poised to take its share in the upcoming world cup in Brazil, and has positioned itself to make the most of the opportunities that the world cup would bring.

Source: ghana news agency

Goldstar Airline is to collaborate with Seasons Travel and Tours to airlift disabled supporters to cheer up Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, in next month’s World Cup tournament in Brazil.

According to Mr Eric Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer of Seasons Travel and Tours, the proposed 500 disabled persons would be airlifted free-of-charge to Brazil to watch the soccer fiesta.

Mr Bannerman, who is also the founder and president of the National Disabled Supporters Union (NDSU) told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the NDSU plans to select 50 persons with all forms of disability from each of the 10 regions to make the number to provide a massive support for the Black Stars during the World Cup, as well as other sporting events.

He regretted that there has been a deliberate attempt to sideline people with disabilities from participating in international events, hence the need to provide persons with disabilities the support to be present at such international tournaments.

Mr Bannerman recalled that the Seasons Travel and Tours provided similar support to the disabled during the last African Cup of Nation Tournament in South Africa.

Persons with disabilities are always sidelined when it comes to mobilization of supporters to international competitions, and I think it is discriminatory.

We want to offer them the opportunity to be part of history this time. That is why we have decided to form the group to serve as a platform for mobilizing supporters to the World Cup, he stated.

According to the President and CEO, Goldstar Airline with origins from the United States of America, is set to commence operations next June 13, flying Accra London Accra two times weekly and Accra-Baltimore-Accra two times weekly.

The airline would also do Accra-Guangzhou-Accra once a week as its local partner Seasons Travel and Tours International offers free visas to all people traveling on the airline to Brazil for the 2014 world cup journey.

Mr Bannernman said the airline is also poised to take its share in the upcoming world cup in Brazil, and has positioned itself to make the most of the opportunities that the world cup in Brazil will bring. He assured the traveling public that the airline is very safe and will ensure absolute security of all passengers.

Source: ghanaweb

Seasons Travel and Tours, operators of Goldstar Airlines, on Monday made a presentation of boxing material and cheque donations totaling 18,000 cedis to the Willpower Boxing Gym, at James Town in Accra. The donation is meant to rejuvenate juvenile boxing, which has been on the quiet for some time now.

Five thousand cedis of the donation would be used for recruitment of juvenile boxers; another 5,000 cedis for the roaming boxing gym, while the boxing gloves, headgear and mouthpieces cost 8,000 cedis.

Making the presentation, Mr Eric Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company said his outfit had to step in to check the waste and under utilization of boxing talents that abounded in the area.

He said the Seasons Travel and Tours was teaming up with the Willpower Gym to help stem the rise of young people who may have boxing talents but rather find themselves on the streets.

"We are teaming up with the Willpower Boxing Gym, and there would be boxing matches every week-end from next Sunday. The roaming gym will go to all the 10 regions with road shows as well."

Mr Bannerman, who is also the Founder and President of the Ghana Disabled Supporters Union, said Season Travel and Tours, had been engaged in a number of activities to get the disabled to support Ghanaian sports.

Mr Gabriel Nii Teiko Tagoe, a Development Planner of the Ga Mashi Development Agency, announced that part of the agenda of the Agency was to use boxing and its potentials to promote tourism in the area.

Mr Napoleon Tagoe, a boxing trainer at the Willpower Gym, stressed the need for the use of local content in the development of boxers.

Mr Tagoe, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Inter-Continental Cruiserweight Champion advocated for boxers to take courses in boxing coaching as part of ways to make a living when they are out of the ring.

Source: ghana news agency

Ghana's history making fight talent hunt powered by Goldstar Airlines and partnered by your authoritative Allsports.com.gh belled off at Korle Gonno on its 4th leg Sunday night and once again it was a huge success despite the disruptions of a rainy night in Accra.

Ghanaian boxing bigwigs including renowned WBC judge/referee, Ataa Eddie Pappoe, American promoter and Goldstar Airlines partner, George Johnson and Mike Neequaye were among the dignitaries who defied the distractions of the rain to show up and inspire many young aspiring boxers, very talented between the ages of 12 and 16 to showcase their huge talents.

In the end, not less than twenty (20) youngsters keen on churning out a career in the fistic sport were identified and selected as potential world beaters on the roadmap which technical expertise is led by Will Power Gym boss, Napoleon Tagoe, himsellf a former boxing champion.

"I must confess that even myself I've been surprised by the talents of the young boxers we have seen since the beginning of this project at James town Roundabout about one month ago," admitted the former Africa and North America champion.

"We are certainly committed to helping thee young boxers become professionals to make Ghana proud. If they are willing to listen to instructions and advice, we will teach them the basics to becoming world champions. I know a lot of them can," Napoleon Tagoe told AllSports.com.gh .

The nationwide talent hunt has received the backing of the sport's biggest names in this country including Peter Zwennes, the President of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and his executives board as well as boxing legend, Aziumah 'Zoom Zoom' Nelson who have have both taken time to show up at the Chorkor and Gbese legs respectively.

The talent hunt train has been earmarked to travel across all corners of Ghana looking for the country's next potential boxing stars, all powered by incoming indigenous airline, Goldstar Airlines who have shown social corporate responsibility by fashioning out this programme that presents unprecedented opportunity for talented boxers to realise thoer dreams more than ever before.

"We remain committed to the development of Ghana in all ways. The airline is for Ghanaians so the people of this nation will benefit most and that's just what we are showing with this juvenile boxing talent hunt. There is a lot more we have to offer this country when we begin work," said Eric Bannerman, CEO of Goldstar Airlines who represented full time on the rain at Korle Gonno.

Source: modern ghana

Goldstar Air has donated yuletide drinks and a cake to sports beat, a popular sports discussion program, hosted by a journalist of mark, George Kenneth Lartey on Ghana Television.

The president of Goldstar airlines, Eric Bannerman told the cream of sports journalists and the crème de la crème in sports administration in the country that the gesture is to boost the morale of the team to enable them give off their best in the coming year.

He indicated that the presentation was Goldstar Airlines and its partners’ widow’s mite to boost the team in their quest to unroll the best cream of programs in the coming term or season. He also said the contribution has become a ritual that the company will render every Christmas.

Goldstar Airlines and its partners, Seasons Travel and Tours won renown or fame this year, annexing the Business and Financial Services Excellence Awards-Silver Award in the tourism category.

The company again covered itself with glory and luster, fending off challenge from other competitors in the industry to grab the coveted Travel and Tour Agency of the year during the Western Regional Tourism Awards, organized under the auspices of the Ghana Tourist Authority.

According to the public relations officer of the company, John Ashong-Mettle, the organization will look to its laurels to remain relevant in the tourism and aviation sectors and bag more awards next year.

To this end, Goldstar Airlines will churn-out tailor-made courses of study tailored to the needs of the Ghanaians next year” he stressed.

He asserted that as part of the company’s grand, vigoros and ambitious plan of action to ride on the crest of a wave, it will open up important new possibilities tailored to the needs of the citizenry, encouraging all and sundry to avail themselves of the full range of opportunities.

The festive celebration hosted the likes of Mr. Saka Acquaye,Deputy-General in charge of technical of the National Sports Authority, Atta Eddie Pappoe a World boxing Council ring official of note and respected in the boxing ranks, Gideon Quartey,president of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation and Theophilus Ezeh,president of the Ghana Swimming Federation, among others.

Source: ghanaweb

Goldstar Air, a private Ghanaian airline has donated a trophy to the Assemblies of God Church in the Greater Accra Region for its annual fun games competition.

The trophy was presented by Mr Charles Nettey, the Airport Manager of the company, on behalf of Mr Eric Bannerman, the Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air over the weekend in Accra.

Mr Charles Nettey said the presentation was the company’s "widow's mite", and that, Goldstar Air would push the threshold of its corporate social responsibility beyond just assisting the promotion, preparation and development of sports in Ghana.

According to Mr Nettey, the pride and joy of the airline is to roll out products to cater for the needs of the Ghanaian, hence Goldstar Air would be plying twelve destinations from Accra.

These routes are Baltimore, Washington, Dubai, Guangzhou, London, Lagos, Monrovia, Abidjan, Freetown, Dakar, Banjul and Conakry.

“It will spread its net wide to ensure that the Ghanaian products from the company are suited to the needs of the tourism and aviation sectors.” Mr Nettey said.

According to him, the airline is coming up with Ghanaian concepts and will create about 5,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.

“Also, passengers would be given allocations of three checked-in bags coupled with giving the travel agencies GHC 5,000 seed money to boost and augment their operations, when they are registered on our selling platform.”

Mr Samuel Mankrom, regional Sports Organizer of the Greater Accra Youth Ministry of the church, accompanied by Mr John Tawiah and Mr Isaac Danso Otchere, both representatives of the Youth Ministry, received the trophy on behalf of the Church and thanked the Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air for his benevolence and support towards the fun games.

Mr John Ashong-Mettle, the Director of Cargo Services of Goldstar Air, Mr Theophilus Wilson Edzie, Director of Communications, Mr Edmund Lamptey and Stephen Glah of Goldstar Air were also present at the presentation.

Source: ghana news agency

The action was non-stop and the competition top class as the 2nd annual Goldstar Air Salafest boxing extravaganza belled off to a huge success at the Opera Square in Accra on Saturday night.

A total of 6 amateur fights were preceded by an eight exhibition bouts by juvenile boxers, some as young as 8 years old before professional boxers, Daniel Adjei Sowah and Isaac Sowah, both of the Seconds Out gym rounded off the night an all-action exhibition.

Though he could not honour a promise to face Aziz Quartey in an exhibition fight, highly rated Isaac ‘Royal Storm’ Dogboe was at ringside to offer support to the organizers and along with other undefeated world title chasing Ghanaian boxers, Richard Oblitey Commey and Duke Micah, was in the ring to acknowledge and speak to the fans.

Ghana’s Enoch Sackey and Prosper Anyeka held aloft the nation’s flag with resounding 3-0 unanimous decisions over Yussif Shaibu of Niger and Mohammed Ali of Cameroon in their Flyweight and Middleweight clashes respectively.

Joseph Tagoe however failed to match his compatriots after also suffering a 0-3 unanimous defeat to Mubarak Abubakar of Ivory Coast in their Welterweight clash.

In other fights, Richman Ashley of the Bronx gym proved too strong for Daniel Oduroof Attoh Quarshie in their Welterweight clash winning a unanimous decision 3-0, William Attoh of Akotoku gym also claimed a unanimous points victory over stable mate, Alfred Kotey at Bantamweight whilst Daniel Gosh of Bronx defeated John Laryea also of Bronx 3-0 in their Light Flyweight contest.

Sponsored by Ghana’s only indigenous airline, Goldstar Air with support from Freight Consult, Voltic mineral water, Ultimate Pam (Akanni Logistics), Electrical Dealers Association of Ghana (EDAG), Marofam Enterprise, Sahara Mining, Role Products & Wild, Salenko Beach Resort and Sally Deen Enterprise, the 2016 Salafest boxing show was organized by Pakis Promotion in collaboration with Junior Walaga Promotions and they have hailed the success of the event.

“Definitely it wasn’t easy putting this together but by the grace of God we started it last year thanks to the support of Goldstar Air,” said Fatai Issifu, CEO of Pakis Promotions who presented a certificate of appreciation to Goldstar Air and Freight Consult.

“They have supported us in a much bigger way this year and we are grateful to the other companies who also supported us. We promise to return next year with an even bigger show. Thanks everyone for coming,” he added.

Source: ghanaweb

Seasons Travel and Tours tourism award

It appears that there is no end in sight to Seasons Travel and Tours, a subsidiary of Goldstar Air charter’s hunt for success in the aviation and tourism sectors.

The company last Friday grabbed a silver award at the tourism category for its continued unwavering contributions to the sector.

Seasons Travel and Tours received the international award at the just ended 8th Ghana Business and Financial Services Excellence Awards held at the plush Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, in Accra.

The awards, put together by the Ministry of Trade and Industry was under the theme ”Promoting Ghana’s Economic Development”.

The award came in the wake of recent success stories Goldstar Airlines operators of seasons travel and tours international has vowed to go a notch higher, according to the energetic and inspiring chief executive, Eric Bannerman.

According to him this award underlined the hard work put in by the team of Goldstar Airlines. ”This recognition has come to spur us and the entire staff to work harder to reach the apex of success in the aviation and tourism sectors, Mr Bannerman said.

The awards ceremony had in attendance, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Ekow Spio Garbrah as guest of honour, Dr. Seth Adjei Baah, president of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Commerce and Professor Sylvester Achio, rector of Accra Polytechnic as chairman for the occasion.

The traditional ruler of the La stool, Nii Dr. Kpobi Tettey-Tsuru and some leaders in busines.