GHANA: Two Kidnapped Canadian Women Rescued

Ashanti Regional Police Command in conjunction with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has temporarily closed down the Ahodwo apartments where the two female Canadians were lodging before the abduction.

According to the police and official of the Tourism Authority, the apartment is not registered nor been licensed as a commercial property to rent out rooms to the public.

The police further grounded it's reason for closing down the facility citing the hotel of breach of security for failing to provide duty post, security officer including installation of Close Circuit Television ( CCTV) cameras.

The Tourism Authority has pasted a notice of closure at the entrance of the facility, warning the general public not to patronise the hotel.

Officers of the Tourism Authority alleged that the apartment operated without meeting the legal requirement as provided under Legislative Instrument LI 2238 and 2239 for accommodation of food beverage and entertainment enterprises.

It is not clear when the facility would reopen but the Ashanti Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority, Theophilus Acheampong is said to have told media that the apartment is where the Canadian girls stayed.

The Hotel, he claimed has not registered with the Tourism Authority for license to operate as such and therefore it's operations is deemed illegal.

The Regional Tourism Officer said they will continue the exercise to other facilities within the region to ensure that they have security safety system installed for clients.

Two Canadian women have been rescued after they were kidnapped last week by gunmen in Ghana's second city, Kumasi, a government minister has said.

The two students, aged 19 and 20, were working as volunteers for a charity when they were seized.

Kidnappings in Ghana, regarded as one of West Africa's most stable states, are extremely rare.

However, there have been several recently, usually involving ransom demands.

Security forces carried out an operation in the early hours of Wednesday to rescue the women, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said in a statement.

The pair were volunteering for Youth Challenge International, which confirmed their names as Lauren Tilley and Bailey Chitty.

The Toronto-based organisation said both women are physically unhurt and have been in contact with their families

Canadian officials thanked the Ghana government for its cooperation in the resolution of this case.

In a statement, they said no further details will be released for privacy concerns and out of respect to these two Canadians who have been through harrowing experiences.

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has vowed to take tough action to end the spate of abductions in the country.

The chairman of Ghana's main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was briefly detained by police on Tuesday as a suspect in kidnappings.

Credible and actionable intelligence led to the arrest of Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, police said in a statement posted on Twitter, without specifying which kidnappings he was allegedly linked to.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo has not commented on the allegations, but NDC general secretary Aseidu Nketia said his arrest was an attempt to intimidate us and frustrate our activities.

In April, an Indian man was seized in Kumasi by an armed gang demanding a ransom. He was later rescued by police.

An Estonian diplomat was also rescued by police after being kidnapped in April in the capital, Accra.

Police are still searching for three Ghanaian women kidnapped in December in the southern city of Takoradi.


Tourism Observer

GHANA: Starbow Resumes Operations To Kumasi, Takoradi And Sunyani

Starbow wishes to inform all its esteemed passengers and the general public that it has resumed operations to Kumasi, Takoradi and Sunyani following the improvement in the weather conditions.

Starbow will also like to assure its passengers in the Northern sector that it will start operations as soon as the weather conditions become favourable.

For reservation, please call 0245000000 or MTN toll free 18181 or visit www.flystarbow.com.

Starbow...Its all about you.

GHANA: Starbow Airlines

Aero Surveys Limited, which trades as Starbow, is a Ghanaian privately owned airline headquartered in Osu, Accra, Ghana. Starbow claims to be the largest Ghanaian airline measured by passengers carried; Despite a brief regional expansion, the airline now only operates domestic flights, from its base at Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

The company was originally incorporated in October 1997 as Aero Surveys Limited and later rebranded its activities as Air Shuttle. It operated two Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft for domestic charters and air taxi services, gaining its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), in August 2009.

In 2011, the ownership of the airline changed, which resulted in a further rebranding to a new commercial name, Starbow, with regional flights in mind. A communication and recruitment campaign was launched and two 94 seat BAe 146-300 jet aircraft were acquired for scheduled domestic passenger services.

Starbow began domestic flights out of Kotoka International Airport on 26 September 2011, serving Kumasi and Tamale. The aircraft offered both business and economy class seating. Starbow added its 3rd destination on 8 November 2011, with return flights to Takoradi from its Accra base.

On 3 February 2012, after just 5 months in operation, Starbow announced that they had finalised a deal to lease two additional BAe 146-300 aircraft that would double their fleet size to 4 aircraft. The aircraft entered into service less than 6 months later.

Starbow's first international route was announced on 31 July 2012. The up to 5 times weekly service from Accra to Cotonou in Benin started 13 August 2012.Abidjan in the Ivory Coast became the carrier's second international destination. The route launched on 8 November 2012 with flights operating up to 5 times weekly from Accra. Starbow also expressed ambitions for further regional routes to be provided.

Starbow announced on 16 December 2012 that they were adding a 97-seat BAe 146-200 to their fleet.

However, in early 2013 all international services were suspended due to poor performance. In November 2013, press reports said that Starbow were to go ahead with fleet renewal plans following the recent appointment of an agent to dispose of the current fleet of two BAe 146-300s and one BAe 146-200, with the third BAe 146-300 being sold for parts. Collectively, the aircraft average 25 years of age. Starbow was reportedly still considering its options for potential replacement aircraft.

Also in November 2013, Starbow's CEO James Eric Antwi said they would move their business out of Ghana if the Government does not address the concerns of domestic airlines, citing small market size and low fares as some of their concerns, and saying that Starbow could relocate their business to other countries such as the Ivory Coast.

Starbow currently operates to and from the following destinations:

Ghana
*Accra - Kotoka International Airport Hub
*Kumasi - Kumasi Airport
*Takoradi - Takoradi Airport
*Tamale - Tamale Airport

Starbow also operates charter services from its Accra base to other cities in the sub-region.

GHANA: Axim Beach Hotel

The Axim Beach Hotel is situated on a huge palm covered tropical hillside that overlooks kilometres of deserted beaches. The hotel offers guests the opportunity to experience accommodation with traditional African characteristics in architecture, interior design and decoration.

The result – a palm covered oasis, surrounded by beautiful beaches that has found the balance between the natural environment and the requirements of clientele using a traditional and close to nature design.

The hotel recognises the importance of sustainable tourism industry for Ghana and as such has adopted environmentally friendly practices such as solar hot water and the use of bore water for facilities and where possible using recycled materials. And of course, the traditionally designed buildings employ environmentally friendly construction practices. The hotel employs all local staff, purchases local products and contributes to community projects in the Axim town.

Axim Beach Hotel is excited to announce that it will be adding a new service to its guests. The hotel will soon start providing traditional ayurvedic massage and relaxation therapies.

The area surrounding Axim is naturally covered in rainforest and is lushly vegetated. The climate provides an array of habitats for a range of flora and fauna. In particular, Ghana is a very worthwhile birding destination, with over 180 species found across the country. Some of the key birds that occur in Ghana are the white-crested tiger-heron, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, white-breasted guinea fowl, white-spotted flufftail, yellow – billed turaco, black throated coucal, rufous fishing owl, the yellow casqued and black casqued wattled hornbills and many more.

The Ankasa Forest and Amansuri Wetlants which is only 40 minutes drive from Axim are some of the ideal forest and wetlands reserves worth visiting in the area to watch wildlife and nature.

The western region is a premier birding region due to its lowland forests which is home to 15 endemic species. One reserve which is close to Axim and protects these lowland forests is the Ankasa Resource Reserve. Here, over 300 plant species have been counted in one hectare and the reserve is home to more than 70 mammal species including forest elephants, bongo antelope, golden cats and hogs, as well as a variety of primates. In terms of birdlife, Ankasa is home to the spot-breasted ibis, grey ground thrush, white-crested tiger heron and white breasted guinea fowl.

ACCOMODATION
Honeymoon Chalets : ($110 Per Night)

Recently built, the new Honeymoon Chalets offers total luxury and comfort for Honeymoon couples and partners. It is directly situated on the sunset beach with a great ocean view. Facilities include a big veranda overlooking the sunset beach. Satellite TV, Double bed, air-conditioned, Mini bar, hot shower, and Wi-Fi Internet.

Deluxe Chalets : ($90 Per Night)

Recently completed, the new deluxe suites offer complete luxury. The conjoined double suites each have an extra large living area, bathroom and spacious balcony over looking the ocean. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator and hot shower.

Chalets : ($80 Per Night)

Uniquely built in traditional Ghanaian style, the chalets are available both in twin (two single beds) or double. All suites have their own bathroom and living space. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda.

Turtle Beach Villa : ($180 Per Night)

Overlooking the picturesque Axim beach, the turtle beach villa provides complete luxury. The suite can accommodate a minimum of four guests, consisting of two extra spacious twin rooms (which can be converted to doubles), each with their own bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda. The suite also has kitchen facilities and two outdoor verandas overlooking turtle beach.

Family Villa : ($240 Per Night)

Perfect for a travelling family or friends, the family villa has beautiful ocean views overlooking the property. The villa accommodates a minimum of six guests, comprising of three bedrooms (two doubles and one twin room), each with its own bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda. The suite also has kitchen facilities and dining area.

Family Bungalow : ($150 Per Night)

Great for a small family or travelling couples, the hotels family bungalows consist of two twin rooms (which can be converted to doubles) and shared adjoining bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda.

Budget Double : ($50 Per Night)

Double rooms each with their own bathroom facilities are located in the budget suite of the hotel which overlooks the water. It has no air-condition. Facilities include satellite television and fan.

Budget Single Room : ($25 Per Night)

Single budget rooms are located in the budget suite of the hotel. Each room has its own bathroom facilities. Rooms include satellite television and fan.

CONTACTS
Axim Beach Eco Resort: (00233) 31 7090099 or (00233) 31 2092397

SOUTH AFRICA: South African Airways Determined To Expand In Africa

SAA's acting CEO, Nico Bezuidenhout

While international airlines battle for the world’s most competitive routes in the highest traffic markets, South African Airways (SAA) is shoring up supremacy in Africa.

SAA has an 80-year history of operations and has established itself as the pre-eminent carrier for southern Africa. With its home base in Johannesburg, it is one of few airlines that can and does fly direct from the U.S. to Africa. SAA's Johannesburg hub positions it well to service points throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The airline is working to solidify its position against competitors that may also be eyeing the African air travel markets.

Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Miami, Nico Bezuidenhout, SAA’s acting chief executive, said the airline is determined to expand its presence to more destinations in Africa.

Bezuidenhout revealed the airline’s heady expectations.

“Our goal is to increase our revenue in the region by 30 percent in the next twelve months," he said. “Africa is a huge potential market for aviation and as Africa’s legacy airline, we want to see the continent contribute to more than the current 3 percent of global aviation.”

Staking out increased presence in West Africa, SAA recently launched new service between Accra, Ghana and Washington D.C. beginning Aug. 3. SAA claims to be offering the only nonstop flight between Ghana and D.C., and the only Skytrax four-star rated airline service from West Africa to North America.

Through a recently cemented bi-lateral codeshare agreement with Africa World Airlines, SAA can now offer connections through Accra to other destinations in Ghana, including Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale, and to Lagos, Nigeria.

Bezuidenhout also said the airline has completed its 90-Day Action Plan, which has resulted in significant reductions in costs, better positioning the airline for expansion within Africa.

“In the first quarter of 2015, a lot of efforts went into stabilizing our airline and we achieved significant milestones. We now want to grow our capabilities and better connect South Africa to the rest of the continent,” said Bezuidenhout.