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Africa World Airlines (AWA) is set to launch direct flights between Accra, Ghana, and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, beginning June 3, 2025. This new route is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
The initiative, inspired by former President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of a direct air link between the two capitals, marks a major milestone in regional integration efforts.
AWA, a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has already established a strong presence across West Africa with successful routes to Lagos, Abuja, Monrovia, Abidjan, and Freetown. Its latest venture comes after a high-level team, led by Jonathan K. Appiah (Head of Commercial), visited Ouagadougou to finalize preparations. The team also included Josephine Ahadjie (Head of Aviation Security), Gloria Vander-Pallen (Service Quality Manager), and Patrick Gyamena (Chief Flight Dispatcher).
The new Accra-Ouagadougou route will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—providing a fast and convenient alternative to the current 12-hour road trip. By reducing travel time to under two hours, AWA aims to make business, tourism, and social visits more accessible, while also easing trade and logistics between the two nations.
During their visit, the AWA delegation engaged with key stakeholders, including:
- The Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso
- The Ghanaian community in Ouagadougou
- Burkina Faso’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC)
- The Ministry of Transport
- Airport authorities and local travel agencies
The airline’s preparation was facilitated by the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which enables smooth regulatory approval for the new service.
Officials from both nations have expressed strong support for the initiative. Mr. Alhassan Abdulai Haruna, Acting Head of the Ghana Mission in Burkina Faso, emphasized the flight’s potential to boost trade, especially as Burkina Faso depends on imports and sees Ghana as a key trading partner.
Daouda Abdoul Aziz W. A. Amoussa, Director General of ANAC, and Bertrand Toe from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility, also pledged full backing to ensure the success of the route.
Jonathan Appiah expressed confidence in the success of the route, noting AWA’s deep understanding of the region and commitment to safety and service. “This isn’t just a flight route—it’s a bridge between nations,” he said. The visit concluded with the presentation of miniature aircraft models to stakeholders as a token of appreciation.
With the launch of this new service, AWA continues its mission to enhance intra-African connectivity. The June 3 launch will not only ease travel but also symbolize a bold step toward a more connected and unified Africa.
