As a first step, the Tunisia authorities had requested the Ministry of Aviation and its allied agencies to visit Tunisia and meet with Aviation officials to discuss technical issues concerning the proposal.

The proposal was made on Wednesday when a Tunisian delegation led by its Ambassador, Mr Jalel Trabelsi, paid a courtesy call on Mr Joseph Kofi Adda, the Minister of Aviation, in Accra. Mr Adda, who welcomed the proposal, stated that, it would encourage Tunisia airline to operate international commercial passenger and cargo flights between both states.

He said in line with the provisions of the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) on air transport liberalisation, Ghana would also ensure that eligible airlines of both states enjoy full traffic rights, including fifth Freedom traffic rights within Africa.

 Under the liberalised regime, there are no restrictions on aircraft capacity and the frequency of flights. Mr Adda explained that the proposed move would reduce the travel time from more than 11 hours to four.

It would also enhance trade and improve air connectivity in Africa.

The Minister reiterated that the government had taken steps to establish a new home-based carrier after the collapse of Ghana Airways, which was a fully state-owned entity. He said as part of the measures, government had invested hugely in on-ground infrastructure, such as expansion of the Arrival Hall of Terminal 2 and the construction of Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), construction of a new terminal building at the Kumasi Airport, expansion of the Tamale Airport, reconstruction of the Wa airport and construction of a new airport in the Volta regional capital Ho.

On his part, Mr Trabelsi said the bilateral relations between Ghana and Tunisia dated back to the time of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and that the country had distinguished herself in the area of good governance and democracy, as well as a stable economic growth.

To further boost the friendship between the two countries, he said a maiden edition of Ghana-Tunisia economic forum was held in Accra where players in the trade value chain participated to explore opportunities in agri-business and other sectors for their mutual benefit.