Ghana's Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Brigadier General Alhassan Abu, has welcomed the relaunch of Africa World Airlines (AWA) flights between Accra and Abidjan, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing trade, investment, and regional integration in West Africa. The relaunch ceremony took place at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan on August 31, 2026. Brigadier General Abu emphasized that the renewed air connection would facilitate deeper engagements between businesses, investors, tourists, families, and institutions in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
The Ambassador highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic ties between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, making reliable air connectivity between their capitals crucial. Accra and Abidjan serve as gateways to national, regional, and international markets, hosting entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, students, tourists, and development partners. A reliable and efficient air link between the two cities is essential for vibrant trade and investment engagements. The renewed connection will enable business-to-business interactions, create opportunities for investors, and allow tourists to visit both countries.
Brigadier General Abu noted that Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have significant opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, tourism, energy, technology, logistics, and the creative industries. He encouraged businesses in both countries to utilize the restored connection to develop partnerships and explore new markets. The Ambassador urged businesses to expand bilateral trade, identify new investment opportunities, establish partnerships, and build stronger value chains across the two economies.
The Ghanaian envoy emphasized that the Accra-Abidjan service should be viewed as more than a transportation facility, as it has the potential to contribute to the broader economic relationship between the two countries. The service can facilitate frequent business travel, strengthen commercial networks, and support participation in conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs. Improved connectivity is also expected to boost the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors in both countries.
Brigadier General Abu commended AWA for reaffirming its commitment to regional connectivity and described the airline as an important part of Ghana's aviation and services sector. He encouraged the airline to continue exploring opportunities to connect Ghana with other destinations across Africa. The Ambassador also called for greater collaboration among governments, aviation authorities, airports, airlines, tourism agencies, and businesses to create an environment that supports the growth of regional air transport.
Brigadier General Abu expressed appreciation to the governments and people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, aviation authorities, AWA management and staff, and other partners who contributed to the relaunch. He commended AWA founder and Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, His Royal Majesty Togbe Afede XIV, for his transformational and visionary leadership. The Ambassador also acknowledged the contribution of staff at the Ghanaian Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly Mrs Hilaria Mabel Dey.
The relaunch of the Accra-Abidjan flight is expected to have a positive impact on trade, investment, and regional integration between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Key stakeholders have been urged to support the renewed service by using it to travel, trade, invest, and strengthen relationships between the two countries. The Ambassador concluded by congratulating Africa World Airlines on the relaunch and wishing the Accra-Abidjan service success.
Key points
- The relaunch of Africa World Airlines flights between Accra and Abidjan aims to strengthen trade, investment, and regional integration in West Africa.
- The renewed air connection will facilitate deeper engagements between businesses, investors, tourists, families, and institutions in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
- The Accra-Abidjan service is expected to contribute to the broader economic relationship between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, beyond being a transportation facility.
