Ghana Airways has descended into another trouble following the seizure of one of its DC 10 aircraft in Rome for the past seven weeks over a $6 million debt owed the Italian national carrier, Alitalia. The aircraft’s crew has been forced to abandon it and return to Ghana. The DC 10 was the last available plane for international flights and following its seizure, Ghana Airways has resorted to leasing aircrafts for all its European routes since February.

Ghana Airways owes 302 creditors about $150 million in unpaid loans, maintenance costs, catering service charges and other fees.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that another DC 10 aircraft bought from Malaysian Airlines in 1999 is still sitting at the hanger at the Kotoka International Airport because vital documents relating to the aircraft were not released to Ghana Airways at the time of delivery.

The Chairman of the airline’s interim management committee, Captain Kwakwa says the detention of the DC 10 in Rome and the non-use of the aircraft at the hanger is costing Ghana Airways over $5 million a day. Government has announced that it is studying the situation at Ghana Airways and will act in due course.

But Captain Kwakwa says while it does not expect government to pay the debts of the airline, it could issue guarantees to the creditors in order to secure some breathers for the airline. Captain Kwakwa said the airline needs about $US 50 million to acquire a new aircraft and reschedule its debt.