President John Dramani Mahama has visited the family of the late Alhaji Asoma Banda, a trailblazer in Ghana’s shipping and aviation industries, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Leading a delegation of government officials, President Mahama expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the celebrated business magnate.
News of Alhaji Banda’s passing was first announced on social media by Nigerian businessman and close associate, Dele Momodu, who paid a touching tribute on Instagram.
“Such a privilege knowing this adorable couple, ALHAJI & EDWINA ASOMA-BANDA, in the last three decades… Today, the elephant has fallen… May ALLAH bless BAABA for keeping ALHAJI comfortable to the end. May ALLAH comfort the entire family, his wives, and children,” Momodu wrote.
Tributes have since poured in from across the continent, with Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah also honoring Alhaji Banda’s memory.
“This morning, Ghana has lost a true patriot, a visionary entrepreneur, and a giant of industry,” Jonah said, highlighting Banda’s remarkable contributions to the nation’s economy.
He credited Alhaji Banda’s transformative role in shaping Ghana’s shipping and aviation sectors, particularly through Antrak Airlines, which revolutionized domestic air travel.
“From establishing Antrak Shipping Line to expanding airline operations across West Africa, he believed in the power of African enterprise. He saw potential where others saw decline, and his bid to take over Ghana Airways was a testament to his unwavering belief in Ghanaian ingenuity,” Jonah added.
Alhaji Asoma Banda leaves behind a legacy of innovation, determination, and service to Ghana, making an indelible mark on the nation’s business landscape.
Reflecting on the challenges Alhaji Banda faced, Jonah acknowledged the complexities of navigating business and politics in Ghana, which he noted had often been a stumbling block for visionary entrepreneurs.
“Ghana has witnessed too often how business and politics can be an uneasy mix, a lesson that should serve as a cautionary tale to future entrepreneurs.”
Beyond his business achievements, Alhaji Banda was remembered as a historian and mentor who generously shared insights on Ghana’s economic past and future.
“He never concealed his humble beginnings. Instead, he wore them as a badge of honor—proof that determination, hard work, and vision can elevate one from modest origins to the heights of success.”
Jonah urged Ghanaians to celebrate Alhaji Banda’s remarkable legacy, emphasising that his resilience and accomplishments should serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
“As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, let us not only mourn his passing but celebrate his legacy. His resilience, vision, and unshakable belief in African enterprise will continue to inspire.”
