The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has commended Africa World Airlines (AWA) for the acquisition of a new Embraer E190 aircraft, describing the addition to the airline’s fleet as a significant boost to Ghana’s aviation sector and efforts to strengthen domestic and regional connectivity.
The new aircraft has a total seating capacity of 102 passengers, comprising 14 Premium Economy seats and 88 Economy seats. The addition is expected to increase AWA’s capacity to serve domestic and regional destinations while supporting Ghana’s ambition of becoming a preferred aviation hub in the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the development of the aviation sector required deliberate investment in infrastructure that would provide convenience and comfort for passengers while creating an environment in which airlines could operate and expand their services.
“In transportation, you have to create the convenience, comfort, and expand all the infrastructure that you have to enable every partaker in the aviation sector to operate freely and fairly”, he stated.
The Minister highlighted the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and 3 at the Accra International Airport as one of the key projects being undertaken to improve passenger movement. He explained that the facility would make it easier for passengers travelling on domestic and regional routes to connect with international flights if they have to at Terminal 3.
He also mentioned the development of a seven-storey car park, budget hotel and premium hotel facilities, which are expected to provide additional convenience for travellers using the airport and those requiring accommodation while connecting to later flights.
According to Hon. Bukari Nikpe, the government is also expanding aviation infrastructure beyond Accra to create greater opportunities for domestic air travel. He cited the construction of the Bolgatanga, Wa and Sunyani airports, as well as the expansion of the runway of Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi to accommodate larger aircraft.
He said these investments were intended not merely to develop physical infrastructure but also to support the growth of domestic airlines and improve air connectivity between different parts of Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Hon. Nikpe called on domestic airlines, particularly AWA, to ensure that the benefits of increased capacity and government investment are reflected in the cost of air travel for Ghanaians.
He congratulated AWA for its resilience and continued growth, particularly its ability to withstand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected the global aviation industry. He expressed the expectation that the airline would continue expanding its fleet and services to serve domestic, regional and, eventually, international markets.
He assured AWA of the continued collaboration and support of the Ministry and its agencies, particularly the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited, as the airline works to expand its fleet and services.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, on her part, also welcomed the Embraer E190, emphasising the strong relationship between aviation connectivity, tourism, cultural exchange and economic development.
She said easier and more efficient movement within the sub-region was critical to the growth of tourism. She further explained that every improvement in air connectivity created opportunities not only for passengers but also for businesses, tourism operators, cultural practitioners and communities that benefit from increased visitor numbers.
“Connectivity is the lifeblood of tourism and cultural exchange. Every flight that takes off from Accra carries not only passengers, but also the stories, traditions and aspirations of our people,” she said.
The Tourism Minister commended AWA for its commitment to innovation and described the Embraer E190 as an important investment that aligns with Ghana’s aspiration to become a regional hub for air travel and tourism.
She noted that aviation played a broader role in promoting Ghana beyond transportation, providing an important platform through which the country’s culture, hospitality and creative products could reach visitors and audiences across the region.
Hon. Gomashie also acknowledged the role of aviation workers in shaping visitors’ first impressions of Ghana, describing them as important ambassadors who interact with travellers before they may have direct contact with tourism institutions.
She stressed that Ghana’s renowned hospitality should remain an important part of the country’s tourism offering, urging stakeholders to ensure that visitors experience the warmth, culture, music and identity of Ghana from the moment they arrive.
She urged government agencies, private-sector operators and international partners to maintain collaboration to ensure that Ghana’s aviation sector remains safe, open and welcoming to travellers.
The event brought together stakeholders from aviation, tourism and diplomatic communities to celebrate AWA’s latest addition to its fleet and its contribution to Ghana’s connectivity and international visibility.
