Air Ghana's New Plane Arrives: Malik Basintale Dragged for Praising John Mahama
- The arrival of Air Ghana's new freighter is expected to boost Ghana's cargo capabilities through the air
- YEA CEO Malik Basintale faced backlash for praising President John Mahama over the arrival of the plane
- Mahama's past promise to revive the national carrier is yet to be fulfilled, as Air Ghana is a private venture
Youth Employment Agency (YEA) CEO Malik Basintale has been dragged online for suggesting that President John Mahama had fulfilled his promise of establishing a national carrier for Ghana.
Source: Facebook
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, a newly acquired Boeing 737-400 freighter belonging to Air Ghana, a privately owned cargo airline headquartered at the Ghana Airport Cargo Centre in Accra, with its main hub at Accra International Airport, arrived in Ghana.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed the development, describing it as a significant boost to the country’s air cargo capacity, sharing photos of the new plane on its Facebook page.
Air Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Karim Traboulsi, stated that the aircraft will enhance delivery timelines, alleviate logistical bottlenecks, and bolster Ghana’s position as a regional cargo hub.
The acquisition forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand cargo operations and facilitate trade within Ghana and across West Africa.
See the Facebook post below:
Malik Basintale praises Mahama for Air Ghana plane
Moments after the Air Ghana freighter landed, many NDC activists and government members, including Malik Basintale, took to social media to share the photos.
Taking to his Facebook on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Youth Employment Agency boss shared a photo of President Mahama alongside those of the Air Ghana freighter.
In his caption, he praised Mahama and wondered what Ghana would have done without him as president.
"That Man called H.E John Dramani Mahama. Talk and do! What would Ghana have been without you? We are grateful, Sir. The Unborn generation is grateful. Air Ghana has landed," he said.
See the Facebook photos below:
Basintale's praise was in obvious reference to President Mahama's intention to revive Ghana's national airline.
Mahama announced in July 2025 that there were plans to revive Ghana's national airline after decades of inactivity.
He announced this during a diplomatic visit by Portugal's ambassador, encouraging potential airline partnerships.
Mahama noted that the revival was part of efforts to rebuild Ghana's aviation sector and boost international cooperation.
Source: UGC
Reactions to Malik Basintale's Air Ghana praise
Imurana Ibrahim Adongo said:
"Doer president that. He doesn't lecture too much like the opposition man. Opposition man is a lecturer with no action."
George O. Asiedu said:
"Do you know when AirGhana started operations? They have been in the cargo business for decades. The plane right there is a cargo plane."
Martin Agyei Ocran said:
"But what is the praise for? Praising the president for a private entity’s achievement?"
Kwame Tenkorang Osei said:
"Air Ghana is a private cargo airline registered in Ghana. It operates commercially and independently, not as a state airline. It works in partnership with DHL Aviation, but it is not a government entity."
Malik Basintale's wife celebrates his birthday
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Malik Basintale's wife, Tenny Salih Young, had shared a celebratory photo with her husband on his birthday.
The photo showed the YEA CEO in a loved-up pose with his pretty wife, weeks after he denied speculation about his health and whereabouts.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
