The 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) commenced on December 16 at Hotel Tropico, Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde. The meeting aims to enhance aviation safety, strengthen collaboration among member states, and improve accident investigation capabilities.
BAGAIA Commissioner Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh highlighted the gathering’s significance and praised Cabo Verde’s role in hosting it. He commended the Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr. Carlos Santos for his commitment to aviation safety.
This three-day event serves as a platform for member states (Ghana. Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Gambia, and Cape Verde) to share knowledge, address challenges, and develop strategies to improve safety. Key discussion topics include advanced technical training, sustainable financing, and expanding BAGAIA’s network.
Minister Santos reiterated Cabo Verde’s vision to strengthen its aviation sector and enhance global connectivity. He expressed confidence that the meeting would generate valuable recommendations for aligning practices with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Commissioner Erhueh noted BAGAIA’s progress over the past five years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high safety standards. The meeting runs until December 18 and is held in collaboration with Cabo Verde’s relevant government bodies, highlighting a collective commitment to prioritize aviation safety.
The Commissioner of the AIB Ghana and President of West African Society of Air Safety Investigator, Mr. Akwasi. A. Prempeh emphasized the importance of WASASI, a regional chapter of the ISASI, stating that, WASASI’s establishment marks a significant step forward in improving aviation safety in West Africa through collaboration, training, and knowledge exchange. WASASI aims to strengthen the air safety investigation process in the region, ensuring a safer and more reliable aviation environment.