United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural flight from Abuja in a symbolic gesture bridging Ghana-Nigeria has landed at Kotoka International Airport on Monday morning, November 10, with a significant twist.
On board was the aircraft christened “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on”, paying tribute to former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings, who passed away five years ago.
● A cross-border tribute
The naming of the aircraft after Rawlings comes as the airline marks its entry into the Ghana–Nigeria route network. On arrival in Accra, a delegation including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, senior Nigerian aviation officials, and dignitaries from both nations was present. A representative of the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour former Minister and MP joined United Nigeria Airlines’ Chairman & CEO, Obiora Okonkwo, to officially unveil the aircraft’s name.
● Why the honour matters?
At the formal ceremony held at Gate C8, Terminal Three, the Ghanaian Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, delivered remarks underscoring the significance of the moment. He recalled how Rawlings himself once said he would rather “live in the hearts of men, than have his name on monuments, streets and circles”. With this naming, he argued, Rawlings’ wish finds expression not just in Ghana, but in the wider West African region.
The minister also invoked Rawlings’s early career as a pilot in the Ghana Air Force and linked it to his rural electrification drive: “When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, that inspired him to work hard to ensure that the rest of the country benefited from electricity.”
● Symbolism & regional relations
Fritz Baffour, speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family, noted the gesture as “a plus for us to come closer together”. He emphasised the shared bonds between Ghana and Nigeria: “When Nigeria and Ghana get together no one can stand us.” The brand-new airline, having chosen an iconic Ghanaian figure for its aircraft, appears to be signalling a commitment to deeper regional integration both symbolically and commercially.
On his part, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo paid tribute to the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman‑Rawlings, requesting a minute’s silence in her memory. He said that discussions to mark Rawlings’s fifth anniversary included plans for the naming of an aircraft, and pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would “bring quality to the aviation industry in West Africa”.
● Legacy in flight
Jerry John Rawlings, a former Air Force flight-lieutenant turned head of state, remains a complex and impactful figure in Ghana’s history. He served as head of state from 1981 to 2001 (initially as military leader, then elected president) and is credited with initiating major reforms including rural electrification, decentralisation, and directing Ghana toward a middle-income status.
By naming one of its planes after him, United Nigeria Airlines is not only paying homage to a Ghanaian icon, but also embedding a narrative of pan-West-African cooperation, shared history, and respect across borders. For Ghana, it is a nod to the heights of Rawlings’s legacy; for the airline, an opportunity to anchor its brand in regional memory and aspiration.
As the J.J. Rawlings aircraft taxied into Accra, the message was clear: the legend lives on not just in memory, but now, in flight.
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
