Ottawa - June 23, 2005 - The Canadian Transportation Agency has issued a cease and desist order to Akwaaba Airlines & Tours and Ahenfo Airlines to stop advertising and selling air transportation services between Toronto and Accra, Ghana, without having proper authorization for the flights in question. The Canada Transportation Act specifies that no person shall sell, cause to be sold or publicly offer for sale in Canada an air service unless the person holds a licence issued in respect of that service.
The companies have responded indicating that they will take action to comply with the Agency's order. As of today, the Canadian Transportation Agency has not received an application by Akwaaba Airlines or Ahenfo Airlines for a licence or charter permit to operate the above-mentioned flights.
Anyone who has paid these companies in advance for transportation between Canada and Africa and has not received the service paid for is asked to contact the Canadian Transportation Agency's Ontario Regional Enforcement Office at:
4900 Yonge Street, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6A5 Phone number: (416) 952-7895 Fax number: (416) 952-7897 E-mail: toronto.on@cta-otc.gc.ca
Akwaaba and Ahenfo Airlines have been advertising these air transportation services on Web sites. In a news release dated May 31, 2005, they announced that: "Akwaaba Airlines of North America (Ahenfoair of Ghana) wishes to inform Ghanaians, Nigerians, Africans, African Americans and the rest of the North American traveling public that it has started flying twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from New Jersey and Toronto direct to Accra, Ghana." Indications are that none of the Toronto advertised flights has taken place.
The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates various modes of transportation under Government of Canada jurisdiction, including air, marine and rail. Through its inspection and investigation program, the Agency monitors and enforces compliance with the Canada Transportation Act and related regulations.
