John Wumborti, Commissioner of AIB Ghana
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional aviation safety at the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), which concluded at Fraser Suites in Abuja, Nigeria.
Presenting a comprehensive update on Ghana’s aviation safety roadmap, Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, highlighted recent reforms, international collaborations, and upcoming strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening air accident investigation and prevention mechanisms.
“This meeting presents a critical platform to assess our collective progress, refine ongoing initiatives, and deepen strategic collaboration in our shared pursuit of enhancing aviation safety across the region,” said Wumborti during his address.
Since assuming office in April 2025, Commissioner Wumborti has led a series of internal reforms to align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), in preparation for Ghana’s next ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026/27.
“We have commenced a comprehensive self-assessment to meet the requirements of the Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) and have reviewed and submitted proposed amendments to ICAO Annexes 13 and 19 to ensure full compliance,” he stated.
To support operational efficiency, AIB Ghana set up a Documentation Review and Implementation Committee, which has developed key manuals, including:
• The Aircraft Accident Assistance for Victims and their Families Procedures Manual
• The Aircraft Accident Assistance Policy
• The Cabin Safety Investigation Manual
• The State Safety Policy Statement
“These documents form the backbone of our internal reforms, promoting a culture of accountability, victim support, and consistent investigative procedures,” Wumborti noted.
As part of its preventive mandate, AIB Ghana also conducted working visits to airports across the country to assess safety adherence and strengthen collaboration with airport authorities.
The Bureau has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several national and regional bodies including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Police Service, and accident investigation agencies in Benin and Togo.
“These partnerships are vital in building a strong foundation for coordinated responses and regional data sharing, which are essential in modern safety oversight,” the Commissioner said.
In the area of capacity development, AIB Ghana staff have participated in regional training sessions on aviation safety occurrence reporting, flight data analysis, and digital tools like Smart Workplace.
Looking ahead, Wumborti outlined four key initiatives:
• Legislative Review – Plans are underway to amend the 2020 Act 1028 and 2024 L.I 2483 to integrate ICAO requirements more thoroughly into Ghana’s aviation laws.
• Simulation Exercises and Emergency Response Plan – To test readiness and coordination among stakeholders in the event of an aviation incident.
• State Safety Programme (SSP) – A dedicated SSP unit will be established to collaborate with GCAA and embed data-driven safety oversight.
• Youth Engagement – AIB Ghana will participate in the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit in South Africa in August to help develop young investigators.
“We are fully committed to the NGAP initiative. It is imperative that we nurture the next generation of investigators who will carry forward the mantle of aviation safety,” Wumborti emphasised.
Concluding his remarks, he stressed the importance of sustained regional cooperation:
• “It is only through collaboration, sharing knowledge, tools, and best practices, that we can strengthen the resilience of our aviation sector and consistently uphold the highest standards of safety.”
The BAGAIA meeting brought together representatives from six West African countries and international partners to assess progress, share expertise, and chart a forward-looking strategy for aviation safety in the region.
