South African Airways (SAA) is proudly celebrating 20 years of flying to Accra, Ghana, apparently a key performer in the airline’s West Africa route network.

From a small beginning on 4 April 1996 when SAA first landed a Boeing 767-200 aircraft at the Kotoka International Airport, the route has grown from three frequencies to eight frequencies per week.

“High service standards and attention to customer service delivery has resulted in growing frequent flyers and high load factors. Our customers enjoy Africa’s warmest hospitality on board and the reliability of our flight schedules,” says Gloria Mensah, SAA Country Manager in Ghana.

South Africa and Ghana have a strong history dating back to 1994 when diplomatic relations between the two countries were established and since that time the two countries have signed 19 bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.

Between 2011 and 2015, total trade of goods was R33.26 billion with exports valued at R17.90 billion and imports valued at R15.36 billion. South Africa registered a trade surplus of R2.53 billion over the same period.

The period 2012-2014 registered the highest growth in South African imports from Ghana, attributed to South Africa importing petroleum oil from Ghana over this time. The country is positioning itself as an economic hub and entry point to West Africa.