Kigali, 21 May 2018: The Government of the Republic of Rwanda and the Government of the Republic of Ghana signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two Countries. The deal was singed between Rwandan Minister of State in Charge of Transport, Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye and the Ghanaian Minister for Aviation Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

This Air Services Agreement started to be effective for both countries on a provisional basis since 1 July 2010 after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between at Montego Bay, Jamaica, to operationalize the agreement pending its signature and other constitutional requirements for both countries, as evidenced through code-share arrangements between the designated airlines of both contracting parties.

Ministers from Rwanda and Ghana described the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed between the two countries as a catalyst to future bilateral co-operation in trade and development between the two countries.

During the event, Minister of State in charge of Transport Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye reiterated Rwanda’s continued and firm commitment to strengthening bilateral co-operation with Ghana which he indicated was witnessed “through the existence of this BASA as a catalyst to the future co-operation in trade and development by allowing our designated airlines to have a predictable framework through which to operate while at the same time offering a competitive platform to the air travelling public of our two countries”.

Hon.Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye called the signing ceremony “a major milestone” that will positively contribute to the two countries’ excellent relations to further promote bilateral cooperation while at the same time providing more reliable and predictable air services between and beyond the two countries.

Bilateral air service agreements permit designated airlines of contracting countries to operate commercial flights that cover the transport of passengers and cargo between those two countries. Also they normally regulate frequency and capacity of air services between countries, pricing and other commercial aspects.

On the other hand Ghana’s Minister for Aviation Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah said: “An effective and efficient air transport system between Rwanda and Ghana will serve as a catalyst for trade, commerce, tourism and investments.”

She stressed that her Government is grateful to the national carrier, RwandAir, for efficiently providing four weekly flights on the Accra-Kigali route.

“I am optimistic that the enhanced connectivity between our two sister states will lead to greater socio-economic cooperation and partnerships for our mutual benefit,” she said.

Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah mentioned that although the African air transport industry currently supports nearly seven million jobs and US$80 billion in GDP, it faces numerous challenges – including poor intra-Africa connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and weak human capacity – that hinder the potential growth of the industry.

Rwanda has signed more than 80 BASAs with different countries as part of Government’s efforts to increase air connectivity and deepen trade in Africa and beyond.