The late former Ghanaian president, Jerry John Rawlings, has been honoured in grand style by United Nigeria Airlines, which named its maiden international flight from Abuja to Accra after him.

According to the airline’s management, the dedication recognises Rawlings’ Pan-African vision and contributions to regional integration.

The naming was unveiled at a brief ceremony held at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on November 10, 2025, where videos sighted by GhanaWeb showed the aircraft embossed with the former president’s name amid cheers and fanfare.

“The legend lives on” was inscribed on the plane.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, officially welcomed United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) as it launched direct commercial flights between Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra.

Remembering Jerry John Rawlings: The best of the worst

She described the new route as a boost to Ghana’s growing reputation as a regional aviation leader.

“The commencement of operations on the Accra–Lagos–Abuja route is a clear demonstration of the growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry.

“It also reinforces our ongoing efforts to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub and leader in airport business in West Africa,” she said.

Watch the video below:

United Nigeria Airlines has named its first-ever international flight from Abuja to Accra after the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, honoring his Pan-African vision and contributions to regional integration.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/99UVU7P0Lb

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 10, 2025

Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, welcomes United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) as it officially begins direct commercial flights between Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/MgzavLwKCU

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 10, 2025