High point of the just concluded 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) was a strong call for strengthened collaboration and commitment to aviation safety across Member States.
BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Erhueh, making this call in his closing remarks emphasised the significance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in enhancing the safety and security of African skies.
The meeting which held from December 16 to 18, 2024 at Pestana Tropico Hotel, had key aviation stakeholders, including ministers, industry leaders, and technical experts in attendance.
Erhueh praised the support of Cabo Verde’s Direction Générale de l’Economie Aérienne (DGEA) and BAGAIA teams, noting their contributions to the meeting’s success.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Minister of Transport and Tourism, Carlos Santos, for his gracious hosting and inspiring leadership. His presence exemplifies Cabo Verde’s dedication to aviation safety and excellence,” Erhueh stated, highlighting Cabo Verde’s role as a beacon of progress in aviation.
The Commissioner also recognised the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation of Sierra Leone, Rex Bhonapha, for his commitment to regional collaboration.
Reflecting on the discussions, Erhueh lauded the diverse insights shared by participants, which he described as critical to advancing air accident investigation practices in Africa.
“Our deliberations have not only deepened our understanding but have also laid the groundwork for more effective investigative strategies.
“Together, we have demonstrated that Africa has the expertise, resources, and determination to lead with excellence safety and security,” he said.
Bhonapha also charged the BAGAIA Secretariat to think outside the box with regards to funding.
According to him, so many issues in governance make it difficult to prioritise meeting Sierra Leone’s financial commitment.
However, he stressed that, that is not to imply that the West African nation will not fulfil its quota.
“From the political point of view, I am saying we need an innovative way to raise funds. That is not to suggest we are not committed to honouring our financial commitments to BAGAIA. Very soon we will fulfil our entire commitment.”
Erhueh called for continued collaboration among BAGAIA’s seven member countries, emphasising the need for united efforts to achieve tangible improvements in aviation safety.
He also commended the support of international partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Southern African Development Community Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO), for their expertise and contributions.
As the meeting closed, Erhueh urged participants to carry forward the spirit of cooperation and implement actionable recommendations.
“Let us continue to work together with determination, ensuring that our combined efforts yield tangible improvements in aviation safety, ultimately safeguarding human lives and enhancing our collective security,” he concluded.