The Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (AIB Ghana), Mr John M. Wumborti, has led a delegation to the Tema Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Tema Regional Police Headquarters to express appreciation for their swift and professional response to the fatal microlight aircraft crash at a daycare centre in Tema on March 16, 2026.
The visits followed the release of AIB Ghana’s final investigation report into the accident, which concluded that engine failure caused by overheating most likely led to the crash.
Addressing officers of the Tema Regional Fire Command, Mr Wumborti said the Bureau considered it important to personally acknowledge the invaluable support provided by the emergency responders during and after the accident.
“When somebody has done something good, you just have to go and say thank you,” he stated.
He noted that although responding to emergencies formed part of the mandate of the Fire Service and the Police, the level of collaboration and professionalism demonstrated by the two institutions exceeded the Bureau’s expectations.
“On behalf of the Board and Management of AIB
Ghana, we are here to say thank you. The collaboration you gave us was beyond our imagination,” he said.
Mr Wumborti further stressed the need for public institutions to cultivate a culture of appreciation and recognition to motivate personnel to continue delivering excellent service.
“We must learn to appreciate one another when things are done well. Even if it is someone’s duty, acknowledging their efforts encourages them to do even more,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Grade II (ACFOII)
Patrick N. Sallah expressed gratitude to AIB
Ghana for the gesture, describing it as a rare demonstration of appreciation.
He said firefighters often risked their lives in the line of duty without receiving recognition from the public.
“If you do something and it is appreciated, it becomes a huge source of motivation. We respond to many incidents, but rarely do people come back to say thank you. What AIB Ghana has done today has touched the entire command,” ACFOII Sallah stated.
At the Tema Regional Police Headquarters, Mr Wumborti also commended the Police Service for securing the crash scene, preserving critical evidence and supporting investigators throughout the investigation process.
He recalled that police officers were already on the ground when the AIB team arrived at the accident site, helping to ensure an orderly and coordinated response.
Receiving the delegation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Eric Asamoah Asiedu expressed appreciation to AIB Ghana for the visit and pledged to convey the Bureau’s sentiments to the Regional Police Commander and the Police Administration.
He also requested a copy of the final investigation report to support institutional learning and strengthen future operational procedures.
The courtesy calls underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in accident response and investigation and reaffirmed the strong working relationship between AIB Ghana, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service in promoting public safety.