Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings' legacy has been honoured five years after his death, with one of Nigeria’s indigenous carriers, United Nigeria Airlines, naming an aircraft after him.

The aircraft named “J.J. Rawlings” completed its first flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, with 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 guests, signifying United Nigeria Airlines' debut route between Abuja and Accra.

A brief inaugural ceremony was held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”

former Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour, to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.” upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.

In his address, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, extended condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and requested a minute’s silence in her memory.

He explained that discussions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing led to the decision to name one of the airline’s aircraft after the former Ghanaian leader, who was also a trained Air Force pilot.

Professor Okonkwo pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would uphold high standards and contribute meaningfully to aviation development in West Africa.

“We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he affirmed.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed appreciation to the airline for honouring the late former President.

“President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets. Today, that statement has been manifested through the naming of this aircraft,” Mr. Adams said.

He added that the gesture demonstrated the enduring influence of President Rawlings across Africa.

“Because President Rawlings lives in the hearts of men, he has been recognised even beyond his country. When we say the legend lives on, this is a good demonstration of what it means,” he noted.

Mr. Adams also recalled the late President’s passion for flying, linking it to his commitment to Ghana’s rural electrification programme.

“When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure that electricity reached all corners of the country,” he said.

Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed the family’s gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the honour, describing it as a lasting tribute.

“This gesture will stay forever Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds — and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.

Jerry John Rawlings died on November 12, 2020 after burying his mother.

The late statesman was born in Accra on 22nd June 1947, to a Ghanaian mother from Dzelukope, near Keta, in the Volta Region, and a Scottish father.

He received his education at Achimota School, where he earned his General Certificate of Education ‘O’ Level in 1966.

In August 1967, he joined the Ghana Air Force as a Flight Cadet and later proceeded to the Ghana Military Academy and Training School in Teshie, Accra, for officer cadet training.

By March 1968, he had been transferred to Takoradi in the Western Region to continue his aviation training.

He graduated in January 1969 as a commissioned Pilot Officer, earning the prestigious “Speed Bird Trophy” for his exceptional flying skills and airmanship.

In April 1978, he rose to the rank of Flight-Lieutenant, noted for his competence and strong connection with his fellow officers.

During his time in the Ghana Air Force, he observed a decline in discipline and morale, mirroring the corruption within the then-ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC).

As he advanced in rank and interacted more with the country’s elite, he became increasingly aware of the deep social inequalities in Ghana, a realization that made the SMC wary of him.

An avid reader and deep thinker, he often engaged in discussions on political and social change with a close circle of like-minded officers.

On May 28, 1979, Flight-Lieutenant Rawlings and six others were brought before a General Court Martial in Accra, accused of leading a mutiny of junior officers and soldiers on May 15, 1979. His statement during the trial, which outlined the social injustices that motivated his actions, sparked widespread public sympathy and reaction.

Meanwhile, in July 2025 this year, Africa World Airlines (AWA) officially launched a new direct flight route between Accra, Ghana and Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, marking a significant step in its expansion into the Sahel region.

The inaugural flight was announced at a brief ceremony in Accra, symbolizing AWA’s strategic commitment to enhancing intra-African connectivity and promoting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Founder of Africa World Airlines and Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, underscored the airline’s dedication to strengthening integration across the continent.

“Our safety record is great. Our reliability is great, and that’s the kind of tradition we expect to continue the service we want to offer our friends from Burkina Faso. Hopefully, through them, we’ll link all of the Sahel to the rest of Africa, in line with President John Mahama’s vision of bringing Burkina Faso and Niger back into the fold,” he stated.

Togbe Afede XIV also acknowledged the concerns of passengers about rising airfares but assured that the airline remains focused on delivering value while prioritizing safety.

“I know that our passengers are concerned about ticket prices. We all need to understand that aviation is a very difficult business—capital intensive, with very small margins. Passengers demand the best of services, and we strive to provide the best value for money as we work to integrate the continent,” he explained.