Trade Minister Announces Plans for First Test Flight From Trinidad and Tobago to Ghana

Minister of Trade and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj has revealed that Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to launch its first ever test flight to Ghana as part of broader efforts to strengthen commercial and travel links with Africa. He made the announcement during a post Cabinet media briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.

According to the minister, the government is currently exploring the use of an Ethiopian Airlines charter and is in consultation with Ghanaian authorities to make the initiative possible. Maharaj highlighted the long and complicated travel process involved in crossing the Atlantic, noting that flights from Piarco to Accra can take up to two days. He added that this poses challenges for institutions such as Republic Bank, which operates about 40 branches in Ghana and has expressed concerns about the time and cost required for travel.

The minister explained that the government is considering all available options for establishing a sustainable air link between the Caribbean and Africa. He said a future goal would be to involve Caribbean Airlines in a route connecting Piarco, New York and Accra, but clarified that the upcoming flight is an inaugural test run and is not expected to be fully booked. Maharaj believes that once the first flight is completed and evaluated, it will pave the way for wider opportunities.

He said the initiative has been well received and aligns with the government’s broader objective of expanding access to African markets. Trinidad and Tobago is exploring a free trade agreement involving Ghana, Caricom and the Economic Community of West African States, a region with a population of approximately 450 million people.

Maharaj also pointed to growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Ghana recently appointed its first ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, who has already presented his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister said this development signals Ghana’s strong interest in opening trade and travel channels.

Reflecting on earlier statements he made in May, Maharaj said West Africa alone represents a market of about 470 million people, but the greatest obstacle has been the difficulty of travelling to the region. He stressed that without easier access, business growth will remain limited. For this reason, he said opening the market and establishing viable flight connections is essential for strengthening economic relations.