Delta flies nonstop from New York JFK to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. Despite a presidential visit to its Atlanta headquarters last week, the airline has no plans to reopen a nonstop flight from Atlanta. 

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama‘s visit to Atlanta last week set the stage for promising new connections with the West African nation. 

Unfortunately, contrary to reports in Ghanaian media outlets, the visit did not persuade Delta Air Lines Inc. to reopen its nonstop flight between Atlanta and Accra, Ghana’s capital. 

In an interview, Mr. Mahama told Global Atlanta that he would meet with Delta officials and that he was in favor of resuming the flight, which was postponed last May

He added that more choice would be good for travelers on both sides. Delta’s only nonstop Accra flight leaves from New York.  

A Delta spokesman told Global Atlanta that the company doesn’t disclose the details of corporate meetings but confirmed that Delta has no plans to reinstate the flight. 

Pakwo Shum, CEO of Aviation Alliance, Delta’s sales agent in Ghana, told Global Atlanta the same when reached by phone in Accra. 

Mr. Shum said discussions are under way in Ghana about how to continue to developing Kotoka International Airport as a West African aviation hub. Local carriers are now beginning to spread their wings in other West African markets, he said. 

While there is talk of building a new airport outside Accra, Mr. Shum said Kotoka has more capacity to be tapped. 

As managing editor of Global Atlanta, Trevor has spent 15+ years reporting on Atlanta’s ties with the world. An avid traveler, he has undertaken trips to 30+ countries to uncover stories on the perils...