The 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has concluded with a resounding call for enhanced collaboration and commitment to aviation safety across its Member States.
The three-day event, held from December 16 to 18, 2024, at the Pestana Tropico Hotel, brought together ministers, industry leaders, and technical experts to address critical issues in air accident investigation and safety.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, BAGAIA Commissioner, underscored the importance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in securing Africa’s skies.
“Our deliberations have not only deepened our understanding but 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 in safety and security,” Erhueh said.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to Cabo Verde’s Direction Générale de l’Economie Aérienne (DGEA) and BAGAIA teams for their organizational efforts.
He also extended special thanks to Dr. Carlos Santos, Minister of Transport and Tourism of Cabo Verde, for his leadership and hospitality, describing Cabo Verde as a beacon of progress in aviation safety.
“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,” Erhueh concluded.
The meeting highlighted the importance of international partnerships, with Erhueh commending the contributions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Southern African Development Community Aviation Safety Organization (SASO).
Hon. Rex Bhonapha, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, addressed the challenge of securing financial support for BAGAIA’s operations.
While acknowledging governance-related financial constraints, he called for innovative approaches to funding without compromising Sierra Leone’s commitment.
“Very soon, we will fulfill our entire commitment. This is not a question of our dedication but a call for creative solutions”.
He emphasized that the combined expertise of BAGAIA’s seven member countries and their partners would ensure tangible improvements in aviation safety.
As the meeting concluded, participants were urged to implement actionable recommendations and maintain the spirit of cooperation.
The meeting’s outcomes reaffirmed BAGAIA’s role in strengthening aviation safety across West Africa and beyond, setting the stage for continued progress in 2025 and beyond.
