By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, has been honoured in a remarkable Pan-African tribute as United Nigeria Airlines named its maiden international flight from Abuja to Accra after him.
The dedication, according to the airline, celebrates Rawlings’ enduring Pan-African vision and his unwavering contributions to regional integration and unity across the continent.
The unveiling ceremony took place on November 10, 2025, at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra. Videos from the event showed the aircraft beautifully embossed with the name “J.J. Rawlings” and the inscription, “The legend lives on.”
The aircraft’s arrival marked United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural international flight into Ghana. On board were several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, senior Nigerian aviation officials, and other invited guests.
Upon landing, the formal unveiling of the aircraft’s name was performed by Mr. Fritz Baffour, former Minister for Information and Member of Parliament, representing the Rawlings family, alongside Chief Professor Okonkwo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for honouring President Rawlings in such a meaningful way.
He recalled the late president’s own words that he would rather “live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets.”
“Today, that statement has come to life. The hearts of men, President Rawlings referred to, have manifested in this gesture. When we say ‘the legend lives on,’ this is exactly what it means,” the minister said.
Mr. Adams also reflected on Rawlings’ passion for aviation and how it shaped his leadership. He recounted how the former president’s frequent flights across the country inspired him to push for Ghana’s rural electrification project after observing at night that only Accra and Kumasi were illuminated.
Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed the family’s deep appreciation to the airline, noting that the honour would be remembered forever.
“Ghana and Nigeria share a long history and strong cultural bonds. When Nigeria and Ghana come together, no one can stand us. If we unite, we’ll be bigger than the United States,” Mr. Baffour said, emphasizing Rawlings’ spirit of Pan-African solidarity.
In his remarks, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, expressed gratitude to both Ghanaian and Nigerian officials who made the event possible. He also requested a minute’s silence in honour of the late Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, extending his condolences to the family.
He revealed that discussions about honouring President Rawlings began as part of plans to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his passing. “We wanted to celebrate his legacy as a soldier, a pilot, and a true African leader who believed in unity and service,” he said.
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, welcomed the airline’s entry into the Ghanaian aviation market. She described the new route between Accra, Lagos, and Abuja as a significant milestone in regional air connectivity.
“The commencement of operations on the Accra Lagos Abuja route is a clear demonstration of the growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry,” she stated. “It also reinforces our ongoing efforts to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa.”
Five years after his passing, Jerry John Rawlings’ influence continues to transcend borders. Through this tribute, United Nigeria Airlines not only honoured a statesman but also reignited the spirit of Pan-Africanism that defined Rawlings’ life and leadership.
As the J.J. Rawlings aircraft took to the skies, it carried more than passengers it carried the enduring legacy of a leader whose vision for Africa continues to inspire generations.
