The Commissioner Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), Charles Irikefe Erhueh, has said that the agency is poised to become the world’s leading regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisation.
Erhueh states this at the 15th anniversary of BAGAIA, highlighting the agency’s remarkable achievements which received commendations from various aviation industry leaders.
The event held on 12th June 2024 on the eve of the 10th BAGAIA Commission meeting at The Farmington Hotel, Monrovia, Liberia hosted by the Liberian Government
In recognition of their invaluable contributions over the past 15 years, BAGAIA honoured several key figures with awards.
Among the distinguished awardees were: *Engr. Akin Olateru; former Director General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
*Mr. Caj Frostell, Pioneer Commissioner of BAGAIA (2012-2018).
*Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, Regional Director of ICAO-WACAF.
*Mrs. Catherine Nying, Former Deputy Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
*Mr. Fansu Bojang, Head of the Banjul Accord Group Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
*Dr. Carlos Duartes Santos, Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cabo Verde, received a country award of recognition.
Sulaiman Jammeh, Corporate Manager for International Relations at the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, praised BAGAIA for honouring the Head of the BAGAIA Secretariat and the former Deputy Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to supporting BAGAIA’s mission to enhance aviation safety.
Capt. Alex Badeh (Jnr), the current Director General of NSIB, accepted the award on behalf of his predecessor, Engr. Akin Olateru.
He emphasised the significance of the recognition and pledged continued collaboration and support for BAGAIA’s initiatives.
Mr. Rene Tavarez, accepting the award for the Regional Director of ICAO-WACAF, expressed gratitude for BAGAIA’s acknowledgment of their support. He assured ongoing cooperation to promote aviation safety in the region.
Amb. Belarmino Monteiro Silva, representing the Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cabo Verde, received the award on behalf of Dr. Carlos Duartes Santos.
He reaffirmed their commitment to providing the necessary support for BAGAIA’s continued success.
BAGAIA’s 15th Anniversary celebration not only highlighted its past achievements but also reinforced its future goals of becoming the most efficient regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisation globally.
The Agency’s dedication to excellence and safety in aviation continues to earn it recognition and respect from its peers and partners worldwide.