Accra-Abidjan flight relaunch will boost trade, investment and regional integration – Ambassador Alhassan Abu

Ghana's Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Brigadier General Alhassan Abu, has hailed the relaunch of Africa World Airlines (AWA) flights between Accra and Abidjan as a critical move towards enhancing trade, investment and regional integration in West Africa. Speaking at the ceremony held on August 31, 2026, in Abidjan, Abu stressed that the renewed air link would transcend mere passenger transport, fostering stronger business, investor, tourist, familial and institutional connections between the two nations.

Describing the route re-establishment as a symbol of reconnecting Accra and Abidjan while promoting regional unity, Abu emphasized that the service represents a commitment to closer ties between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. This is seen as an important statement that reiterates the importance of reconnecting people, businesses, institutions, families and opportunities across their shared borders.

In highlighting the strategic significance of Accra and Abidjan as gateways to national, regional and international markets, Abu underscored that reliable air connectivity between the two capitals is essential for driving trade and investment. This renewed connectivity is anticipated to facilitate business interactions, provide investment opportunities and enable tourism and familial ties.

Abu noted that Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have vast potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, tourism, energy, technology, logistics, and creative industries, urging businesses in both countries to leverage the restored air link to establish partnerships and explore new markets.

Furthermore, Abu stressed that the Accra-Abidjan service is crucial not merely as a transportation service but as part of the economic infrastructure of Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire relations. He anticipated that the renewed connectivity would boost frequent business travel, enhance commercial networks and support participation in conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs. He also highlighted how improved connectivity could stimulate the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors in both countries.

The ambassador commended AWA for its commitment to regional connectivity and for its role as a key entity within Ghana's aviation and services sector. He encouraged AWA to expand its reach to other African destinations.

Moreover, Abu called for stronger collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, aviation authorities, airports, airlines, tourism agencies, and businesses, to create an environment that promotes the growth of regional air transport. He stressed the importance of focusing on safety, security, improved passenger experience, enhanced airport infrastructure, and efficient border procedures to make intra-African travel more convenient, affordable, secure, and reliable.

Abu also paid tribute to AWA's leadership, recognizing the visionary efforts of His Royal Majesty Togbe Afede XIV, the founder and Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, and the contribution of AWA staff, particularly Mrs Hilaria Mabel Dey from the Ghanaian Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire. He urged passengers and customers to support the renewed service by utilizing it for travel, trade, investment, and fostering relationships between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.