Marking five years of advancing aviation safety in Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and strengthening public confidence in air travel at a colourful anniversary ceremony held in Accra.
The event, on the theme “Enhancing Safety: The Role of Accident Investigation in Aviation Safety in Ghana,” brought together key stakeholders from the aviation industry, government, and partner institutions to reflect on the Bureau’s journey and chart the way forward.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Deputy Minister, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, stated that the establishment of AIB Ghana as an independent institution has significantly strengthened the country’s aviation safety framework.
According to the Minister, the Bureau’s independence ensures that investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents are conducted objectively, transparently and in compliance with international standards, thereby safeguarding lives and reinforcing public confidence in air travel.
He explained that AIB Ghana was established in October 2020 following the passage of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau Act, 2020 (Act 1028), after accident investigations had previously been conducted on an ad hoc basis within the civil aviation ministry.
Describing its creation as a major milestone, he noted that institutional independence guarantees objectivity, transparency and strict adherence to global best practices.
“Aviation safety is not defined merely by the absence of accidents,” he emphasised. “It is built on robust systems, sound operational practices and coordinated frameworks that anticipate risks and manage hazards effectively.”
He further underscored that accident investigations are aimed at preventing recurrence rather than assigning blame, in line with Annex 13 standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“As Ghana’s aviation sector continues to grow, maintaining high safety standards becomes increasingly critical,” the Minister noted, adding that regional and global cooperation supports ICAO data sharing, risk identification and harmonisation of safety standards.
Welcoming participants, the Acting Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John M K Wumborti, described the anniversary as more than a ceremonial milestone.
“It is a moment of reflection and renewal, a reminder of our core mandate to protect lives, strengthen trust in the aviation system and ensure safer skies for Ghana and the region,” he said.
He highlighted that over the past five years, the Bureau has conducted investigations, issued safety recommendations, strengthened governance structures, undertaken specialised training and collaborated with both national and international stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Mr Wumborti pledged to deepen technical capacity, enhance the implementation of safety recommendations and expand regional cooperation, stressing that every investigation offers lessons that help prevent future accidents.
The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Authority and AIB Ghana under the State Safety Programme.
He said the collaboration had strengthened data-driven risk management, ensured proper classification of aviation occurrences and integrated investigation outcomes into regulatory oversight.
Rev. Arthur also emphasised the need for sustained investment in capacity building, modern investigative tools and emerging technologies, including drones, to enhance accident investigations and maintain global best practices.