The legacy of the late Jerry John Rawlings — celebrated as an iconic Ghanaian aviator — was brought to life last Monday when a United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) aircraft bearing his name touched down at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The white aircraft, emblazoned with the inscription “Flt. Lt. JJ Rawlings – The Legend Lives On”, symbolises that although the Ghanaian former President died on November 12, 2020, his legacy to influence the integration of the African West Coast continues to inspire others.
The arrival of the aircraft marked the launch of daily commercial flights on the Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra routes, which will offer passengers greater convenience and flexibility to travel between the two countries for both business and leisure.
The inaugural flight, greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute, brings the number of international airlines operating at the Kotoka International Airport to 25.
It was witnessed by authorities in the aviation industry from both countries, representatives of the Jerry Rawlings family and officials of the United Nigeria Airlines.
Personalities who graced the occasion included the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddi Adams; a former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour; Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Capt. Dayo Adeoye; Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed; the Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare; the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Theophilus Ago, and the Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
The legend lives on
Mr Adams, a former spokesperson for the former President, stated that naming the aircraft after him was a true reflection of a legend whose memory continues to live in the hearts of the people.
He recalled that although efforts were made in the past to name institutions after Rawlings, the former President humbly declined, insisting that “he wanted his memory to be written in the hearts of Ghanaians, not on the walls of buildings”.
Mr Adams said the arrival of the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft bearing his name fulfilled that wish, as it symbolises how deeply Rawlings’ values of service, discipline and Pan-African unity endured across generations.
He explained that the gesture reflected Rawlings’ vision, whch extended beyond Ghana’s borders, inspiring collaboration and solidarity across West Africa.
Collaboration
Mrs Opare stated that the UNA had become the 25th international carrier to operate at the Kotoka International Airport and pledged to collaborate with the airline to uphold high standards of on-time performance.
She explained that the commencement of UNA operations on the Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra routes was not only a testament to the airline’s confidence in Ghana’s aviation market but also a clear reflection of the country’s rising reputation as a safe, reliable and business-friendly hub for regional air transport within West Africa.
Optimism
Prof. Okonkwo expressed optimism that venturing into the Ghanaian market would strengthen relations between the two countries and expand business opportunities.
"This inaugural flight marks a major milestone in our journey of expansion and commitment to service excellence, reliability, and connectivity across the region," he said.
Prof. Okonkwo promised to collaborate with the Ghana Airports Company and other organisations to serve passengers well.
Connectivity
For his part, Capt. Adeoye said that the commencement of the UNA’s direct daily flights from Abuja to Accra was a symbol of a new bridge of connectivity.
“I have been told that the airline will operate daily flights to Abuja and four weekly flights to Lagos, offering passengers the opportunity to travel to each country with ease, whether for business or leisure,” he said.
