The 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) concluded with enhanced collaboration to improve aviation safety through strengthened collaboration. Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh, BAGAIA Commissioner, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing challenges and ensuring safer skies for Africa. Held from December 16-18, 2024, at Pestana Tropico Hotel in Praia, Cabo Verde, the event gathered key stakeholders to advance strategies for air accident investigation and aviation security.
During his closing remarks, Engineer Erhueh highlighted the critical need for enhanced collaboration to improve aviation safety, underscoring shared responsibilities among Member States. He commended Cabo Verde’s Direction Générale de l’Economie Aérienne (DGEA) for its organizational support, which contributed to the meeting’s success. Transitioning into recognition, he lauded Dr. Carlos Santos, Cabo Verde’s Minister of Transport and Tourism, whose leadership he described as inspiring and exemplary.
Erhueh further acknowledged the efforts of Hon. Rex Bhonapha, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, for fostering regional cooperation despite funding challenges. Bhonapha on his part called on the BAGAIA Secretariat to explore innovative solutions for sustainable financing. According to him, so many issues in governance make it difficult to prioritise meeting Sierra Leone’s financial commitment. NSIB Seeks Stronger Regional Ties with BAGAIA, IPIAAM
of Transport and Aviation; Dr. Carlos Jorge Duate Santos, Minister of Transport and Tourism
Cabo Verde; Engr. Jorge Rodrigues, Chairman Board of Directors of IPIAAM; Mr. Rene
Tavares, Regional Officer Rep. the Regional Director of ICAO-WACAF
However, he stressed that that is not to imply that the West African nation will not fulfill 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.”
Reflecting on the meeting, Engineer Erhueh praised the insights and expertise shared by participants. He noted that the deliberations deepened understanding and laid the foundation for more effective accident investigation practices. “Africa possesses the resources, expertise, and resolve to excel in aviation safety and security,” he stated, emphasizing the region’s readiness to lead by example.
The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of international partnerships, particularly with organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Southern African Development Community Aviation Safety Organization (SASO). Their technical expertise and support, he noted, play a pivotal role in advancing BAGAIA’s mission.
As the meeting drew to a close, Engineer Erhueh urged participants to uphold the spirit of collaboration and turn recommendations into actionable outcomes. “Our unity and determination must translate into measurable improvements in aviation safety,” he said, reinforcing the collective goal of safeguarding lives and ensuring secure air travel across Africa. The event concluded with a clear mandate: fostering synergy to improve aviation safety and ensuring that African skies remain a beacon of safety and innovation.
