Accra, July 28, GNA – The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has concluded its 12th Commission Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing regional collaboration in aviation safety.
A key highlight of the meeting was the formal inauguration of a new Board of Directors, composed of heads of accident investigation bureaus from member states.
Mr John Mmeb Kunyan Wumborti, the Acting Commissioner of Ghana’s Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIBGHANA), is a member.
The Board, expected to provide strategic policy direction for the Agency, would oversee the activities of the BAGAIA Commissioner and strengthen decision-making for the regional civil aviation safety oversight group.
According to a statement issued by AIBGHANA and copied to the Ghana News Agency, an official agreement signed by five member states on May 22, 2025, has now come into effect.
The French and Portuguese versions of the agreement are expected to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal this September, the statement added.
The two-day meeting marked a significant milestone in BAGAIA’s mission to promote aviation safety across West Africa and beyond.
Delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone participated in discussions focused on performance reviews, funding strategies, and strengthening investigative cooperation.
Future initiatives include the development of regional laboratories and enhanced training for investigators.
Mr Wumborti, in his speech, noted that AIBGhana had steadily advanced in fulfilling its mandate to enhance aviation safety in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and its commitment to BAGAIA.
He said, “AIBGhana continues to play an active role in fostering regional collaboration and ensuring professionalism, integrity, and a sustained focus on safety improvement.”
“Since assuming office in April this year, we have undertaken key initiatives including the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) 2026/27.
“As Ghana prepares to undergo its next safety oversight audit in 2026/2027, we have commenced self-assessment to meet the USOAP audit Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) requirements”, he said,
The statement noted that BAGAIA Commissioner, Mr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, highlighted the agency’s growing influence through partnerships with aviation safety bodies in East and Southern Africa, such as CASSOA and SASO.
While acknowledging funding as a major challenge, he praised the resilience and cooperation of member states, it added.
The opening session featured remarks by Mr. Fansu Bojang, Head of the Banjul Accord Group Secretariat.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), also addressed the meeting, citing successful collaborations, including Nigeria’s support to Liberia and Ghana, the statement said.
Mr. Yves Koning, EASA Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, reaffirmed the European Union’s support and commended the progress achieved under the EU-funded BAGAIA project, which is scheduled to conclude on July 30, 2025, it said.
GNA