Ghana football star receives license to operate airline

By Umaru Sanda Amadu

ACCRA, Ghana (AA) - Captain of Ghana’s national football team, Asamoah Gyan has been issued a license by the government to operate a domestic airline.

Gyan, 31, who plays for Turkish club Kayserispor would be the first Ghanaian footballer to venture into the airline industry.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo made the announcement to thunderous applause during the 2017 African Air Show at Kotoka International Airport in the capital Accra on Wednesday.

“The captain of our senior national football team, the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, [also known as Baby Jet] has obtained an air carrier license and is working feverishly to establish an airline,” Akufo-Addo said.

He said the airline would be named Baby Jet airlines, after the footballer’s nickname.

“I want to call on other Ghanaians both home and abroad to invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector,” the Ghanaian leader added.

It is unclear when Asamoah Gyan’s airline will begin to be operational.

Ghana’s domestic airspace is currently being operated by two airlines.

Gyan has scored 49 goals for Ghana since he made his international debut in 2003.