Opinions of Friday, 28 May 2010

Columnist: Bolus, Mercy Adede

Virgin Atlantic in Ghana

God’s timing is always is the best. This simple statement is a fact of life.

Sir Richard Branson has targeted Ghana once upon a time as one of its destinations, however our bureaucratic hiccups prevented him from starting his maiden trip until now.

The start of his service has come at crucial when all the alternative airlines from the U.K are much reduced. What prefect timing for him this is to start his service?

This move should guarantee Richard’s success of this venture. Ghana should see how Richard has not only embraced our culture but is proud to be seen with our traditional ceremonial outfit. This is a great opportunity for the Major of Accra to also stretch his hands and reciprocate this move through improving the city as planned and stick to the strategic objectives set for improving Accra and its surrounding towns and villages. Richard does not like lazy people around him at all. He loves entrepreneurs who are willing to make a difference, which Ghana has. However synchronize these ideas into improving Ghana is a challenge to all of us. Seizing the moment is precisely what Virgin Atlantic has done.

Former Presidents of the USA from Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Clinton, Bush and current President Obama have all endorsed Ghana as a tourist destination. This self depicts their support for Ghana as a friendly nation.

One cannot help but admire the way God is using Richard Branson and blessing him abundantly. I can guess that this is might be due to his humility and the respect he has for people in general. Richard loved to serve rather them to be served by others.

Richard is always hands on with his employees. Thus making them feel valued stakeholder and willing to work that extra mile to improve services.

I hope other Airlines would soon follow this example thus making Ghana a place worth visiting and investing.

Thank you so much Virgin Atlantic for filling Ghana’s need.