By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, March 31, GNA – ValueJet Airlines, a Nigerian carrier, has officially commenced commercial flight operations in Ghana, pledging to deliver safe, reliable and customer‑focused services to passengers.
The airline inaugurated its Lagos–Accra route on Monday at the Accra International Airport, marking a significant milestone in strengthening aviation connectivity and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, Managing Director of ValueJet Airlines, expressed appreciation to Ghanaian authorities and aviation stakeholders for the warm reception and support.
He assured that the airline’s core mandate was to provide “quality, safety, dependable and valuable” services, noting that ValueJet would continue to strengthen its operations on the route while exploring additional destinations.
“We are proud to support this relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, and the best way we can do it is through what we are doing now. We will continue to strengthen and make it worthwhile,” he said.
Capt. Majekodunmi disclosed that beyond the Lagos–Accra route, the airline planned to expand its network to include Abuja–Accra and Port Harcourt–Accra routes, as well as other regional and international destinations.
He recounted the airline’s growth journey over the past three years, saying, “We have seen what the Lord has done. Three years ago, we were thinking about how to start, and today we are in Accra and other destinations.”
A statement read on behalf of Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, by Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Director‑General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, described the inaugural flight as a testament to Ghana’s growing aviation sector and commitment to regional integration.
“The Ministry recognises the contribution of airlines to the growth of our national economy, and this direct flight will further strengthen ties with our West African neighbours,” he said.
Rev. Arthur said that government was undertaking key infrastructure projects at the Accra International Airport, including the repurposing of Terminal Two to accommodate both domestic and international operations, as well as plans to construct a new connecting concourse and a multi‑storey car park.
In a welcome address delivered on her behalf, Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, said the airline’s entry brought the number of operators at the airport to 27.
She commended ValueJet for its decision to operate daily flights on the Lagos–Accra route, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry.
“The launch of ValueJet Airlines operations will offer more connectivity options and deepen the longstanding cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” she said.
Mrs Opare urged the airline to prioritise safety, security and reliability while delivering excellent customer service to enhance passenger experience.
Ambassador Adedayo Adeoye, Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, said the new service would increase competition on the Lagos–Accra route, reduce travel costs and promote business and cultural exchanges.
He described the route as “a conduit for commerce, investments and opportunities,” adding that it would further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
Prof Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, noted that improved air connectivity was vital to tourism growth.
He said Nigeria remained Ghana’s second‑largest source market, contributing over 100,000 arrivals in 2024, and expressed optimism that ValueJet’s entry would enhance capacity and accessibility.
“Since 2019, official data from Ghana Tourism Authority indicates that we have welcomed estimated 500,000 of our settlers from Nigeria. And that underscores not only the strength of the market, but also the enduring ties between our two nations.
So, the entry of ValueJet therefore comes at a strategic moment. It enhances capacity, improves accessibility, and reinforces the thriving corridor that supports tourism, trade, and people‑to‑people connections,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey