THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
British Airways has come under fire from President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana for the way it treats customers.
In what counts as a major embarrassment for the airline, the Ghanaian leader criticised “the quality of the planes and the service” on the Accra-London-Accra route.
The president made the grievances of Ghanaians known when the Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales at British Airways, Paolo De Renzis, paid a courtesy call on him in Accra during the week to inform about the airline’s plans to celebrate 80 years of flying to the country.
The president said: “people complain about the movement (of flights to and from Accra) from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3 at Heathrow. Terminal 3 is not so convenient a place as Terminal 5.”
“There have been complaints about the quality of the planes (on the route) and the service. In some quarters, there is a feeling that you are taking us a little for granted in the way in which we are receiving your services,” he added.
“I think on an occasion like this, for when friends are speaking, I think we should speak frankly. I think I am the proper person to let you know what the pre-occupations of our people are. These are matters that will be easy for you to rectify,” he continued.
The President noted that the co-operation between British Airways and Ghana has been good, explaining that “the patronage you have tells you about the confidence the Ghanaian people have in the airline. I want to congratulate you very warmly; 80 years of service is worth commemorating.”
President Akufo-Addo therefore called British Airways to improve the quality of services it offers on the Accra route and he restated the vision of his government to make Ghana an important aviation hub for the region and the continent.
On his part, Paolo De Renzis said Ghana was one of the most important markets for British Airways, especially in Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
“We have a longstanding relationship with the country. We are strongly committed to the market, and we appreciate your feedback. We will work very hard to improve the products and services to Ghana all the time,” he assured.
British Airways is the only airline offering direct flights on the Accra-London-Accra route.
Felix Dappah
