The Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has lauded the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) for its critical role in strengthening aviation safety.
This he reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing the institution with the necessary infrastructure, legal backing and logistical support to effectively discharge its mandate.
During a working visit to AIB Ghana’s newly occupied offices at the former Ghana Civil Aviation Authority premises in Accra, the Minister described the relocation as a deliberate effort by government to equip key aviation agencies with the enabling environment required for optimal performance, noting that “no institution can perform at its best without the necessary tools and facilities.”
Mr Nikpe stressed that under the aviation transformation agenda championed by government, AIB Ghana was expected to play a central role not only in investigating aircraft accidents and incidents, but also in generating safety recommendations that would help prevent future occurrences and improve compliance across the aviation sector.
The visit also highlighted ongoing government investments in aviation infrastructure, including terminal expansion works, the development of new domestic airports, and reforms aimed at positioning Ghana as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
“We accepted to lead this industry and make it work. There is no way anybody can perform to the best of his or her ability without the necessary tools and facilities. The first responsibility is to provide an environment that gives workers the comfort to deliver their very best,” he stated.
The Minister recalled his visit to AIB Ghana’s former office, describing the conditions under which staff operated as unsuitable for an institution charged with safeguarding aviation safety.
“I was not happy with what I saw, and we immediately started looking for a befitting place not for your comfort alone, but because of the important responsibility you perform on behalf of the people of Ghana,” the Minister said.
According to him, the vision of John Dramani Mahama to position Ghana as the aviation hub of West Africa requires sustained investment in infrastructure, regulatory institutions and safety oversight agencies.
He stressed that while AIB Ghana was widely known for investigating aircraft accidents, its core mandate extends beyond investigations to preventing future occurrences through safety recommendations.
“You are not established merely to investigate accidents after they happen. Your findings must become lessons that guide airlines, pilots and aviation stakeholders to prevent similar occurrences in future,” he emphasised.
Mr Nikpe noted that air transport remains one of the most highly regulated sectors globally, making compliance with international safety standards indispensable.
Consequently, he assured AIB Ghana of government’s continued support through improved accommodation, adequate logistical resources, stronger legal frameworks and enhanced budgetary allocations.
He urged management and staff of the Bureau to justify the confidence reposed in them by working professionally, independently and diligently.
Touching on aviation governance, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Transport had begun the process of regularising Bilateral Air Services Agreements dating as far back as 1988 to ensure compliance with constitutional and international legal requirements.
“As Minister, any agreement I sign is not binding until Parliament ratifies it. We are working to regularise all outstanding agreements because compliance is essential if Ghana is to remain competitive and attractive to international airlines,” he explained.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, particularly its Director-General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, for facilitating the allocation of the office accommodation to AIB Ghana.
He observed that the Authority’s decision demonstrated its appreciation of the Bureau’s indispensable role in strengthening aviation safety and improving regulatory oversight.
The Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, described the Minister’s visit as both symbolic and historic, noting that the relocation would not have been possible without his personal intervention and commitment.
According to him, following the Minister’s directive, management engaged the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, after which the request was presented to its Board for consideration and approval.
“The Minister believed AIB Ghana deserved a decent working environment. His intervention gave meaning to our request and ultimately made this relocation possible,” Mr Wumborti said.
He explained that the visit was organised primarily to express the Bureau’s profound appreciation to the Minister and to seek his blessing as AIB Ghana officially commenced operations from its new offices.
Mr Wumborti further announced that the Bureau had secured office accommodation for its Tamale satellite office, while efforts were underway to establish another satellite office in Kumasi as part of plans to strengthen its nationwide operational presence.
He added that AIB Ghana remained committed to government’s vision of improving aviation safety and would continue working towards acquiring a permanent purpose-built office complex to support its expanding mandate.
The Commissioner assured the Minister that management and staff would remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality and technical excellence in accident investigations and safety promotion.