South African Airways makes maiden direct flight

Mrs Dzifa Attivor, the Transport Minister has praised the Pan African vision of Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah, saying his foresight is yielding positive results on the continent.

Mrs Attivor was addressing a reception held at Ghana Embassy in the United States (US) to celebrate the successful and safe landing of the first direct South African Airways flight from Ghana to the US.

The flight carrying about 160 passenger which left the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on the night of Sunday August 2, safely touched ground at the Washington’s Dulles Airport early Monday morning with the crew, flight officials, passengers as well as Aviation staff beaming with smiles.

Mrs Dzifa said the gathering had brought alive Dr Nkrumah’s famous speech at nations independence that Ghana’s independence should be linked to the total liberation of the African continent, adding he did not only mean political freedom but all other freedoms including economic.

“It is only when we are economically grounded and sound that we can promote the development Africa is yearning for, “she added.

The Minister said the SAA achievement would provide the Diaspora, the opportunity to visit home regularly, help promote and improve trade among nations and also prove to the world that Africans are capable of managing their own affairs.

She congratulated the airline for the achievement it has made in the mist of challenges on the continent and appealed to others to follow the example.

Lt General Henry Smith (Rtd), Ghana’s Ambassador to the US extolled the current leadership of Ghana and South Africa for making the SAA initiative work.

He said the union has given meaning to the concept of South-South Co-operation.

He described the achievement as very important because the direct flight would benefit the business community in Ghana, South Africa and the US, increase trade and economic activities and strengthen the good relations among the nations.

Dr John Tambi, a member of the SAA Board said the Airline is planning to expand operations throughout Africa and called for support in the airlines long route of success and development.

He thanked the Transport Ministry, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for the support in the SAAs bid to expand its services.