The attention of both art enthusiasts and aviation history buffs, renowned Ghanaian contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama has disclosed his ownership of a former Ghana Airways plane, originally acquired from Antrak Air nearly three years ago. This development comes in response to a viral video that depicted the aircraft in a state of apparent abandonment, sparking widespread speculation about its fate.
Mahama, known for his expansive installations that often incorporate materials like jute sacks and wood, has rebranded the plane to resurrect the legacy of Ghana Airways, which ceased operations in 2005 due to significant financial challenges, including substantial debt, poor management, and corruption. The artist’s vision extends beyond mere preservation; he aims to transform the aircraft into a “moving museum” that will travel across Ghana, offering a tangible connection to the country’s aviation heritage.
“I bought this plane from Antrak Air almost three years ago and rebranded it back to the Ghana Airways from which it is today,” Mahama explained in a post on X. “The whole point was to transform it into a moving museum across the country so look out for that soon.” This initiative is not just a nod to the past but a forward-looking project that seeks to engage communities nationwide with the rich history of Ghana Airways.
The rebranding effort was notably supported by former Ghanaian footballer Sulley Muntari, whose cleaning company played a crucial role in restoring the plane’s appearance. Mahama’s personal connection to the aircraft adds a layer of poignancy to the project; he revealed that his mother once traveled on this very plane to Mecca in 1988, imbuing it with a wealth of personal and cultural memories.
This revelation contrasts sharply with the narrative of neglect portrayed in the viral video, which suggested that the plane was a forgotten relic of Ghana’s aviation past. Instead, Mahama’s project highlights a creative and restorative approach to heritage preservation, aligning with his broader artistic practice that often repurposes materials to comment on global economic and social issues.
Mahama’s work has previously been exhibited internationally, including at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. His approach to the Ghana Airways plane exemplifies his commitment to transforming ordinary objects into vessels of cultural significance, inviting dialogue about history, memory, and the future.
As plans for the moving museum progress, it remains to be seen how this ambitious project will unfold across Ghana. However, Mahama’s initiative undoubtedly offers a unique opportunity to rekindle national pride in Ghana Airways and to engage with the country’s aviation legacy in a dynamic, interactive manner. This endeavor not only preserves a piece of history but also reimagines it as a living, traveling exhibit, accessible to all.