BANJUL Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has expressed determination to ensure it is most efficient Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organization in the world and says with adequate training, equipment procurement, and finances it will get there and sustain that efficiency.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of both the Seventh Commission Meeting and the Aviation Safety Workshop held at Hilton Hotel, Sal Island 11th-15th April 2022, BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh said the events gave the opportunity for brainstorming to reach and implement resolutions to some teething challenges
According to Engr. Erhueh, with the meeting and workshop outcomes, the onus now lies on the regional body or states to imbibe what has been learnt, infuse it into their day-to-day operations to grow.
He said,”In the panels we had the opportunity to get to know and discuss the experiences of organizations in research material on accident prevention and aeronautical incidents, as instruments for prevention; we analyzed barriers, facilitating factors, and initiatives to promote the incorporation of scientific evidence in the practice of professionals;
“We reviewed the evolution, challenges, and opportunities opened by material specialists; We understand that technologies promote new attitudes and ways of thinking on the part of professionals and the evaluation of the impacts of innovations; we discussed the challenges to train and retain professionals capable of developing new skills as a form of intermediation;
“From our ability to improve operational safety culture to our roles as authorities in the investigation and prevention of aeronautical accidents while diving down to our role in educating in the development and promotion of civil aviation security will tell you how prepared we are in the evolutionary step of safety.”
The regional accident investigation organisation also highlighted the need for membership expansion and new ideas to ensure policies are followed through
Also speaking, Minister of Tourism and Transport, represented by Jose Luis Sa Nogueira maintained that the development of air transport in Africa depends on common effort of countries to create universal conditions defined by the Chicago Convention, which guarantee air safety in each of our countries.
He stressed that much has been done in recent years to strengthen BAGAIA’s institutional and operational capacity stating that other instruments are being prepared to contribute for its consolidation.
He highlighted, “the Manual of investigation policies and procedures, training program, management agreement with ICAO stating that the government of Cabo Verde will do everything to ensure that its role is permanently in line with BAGAIA’s and BAG’s major objectives with regard to air transport.
He said,” BAGAIA will only be “full success†if the spirit of its creation “ cooperation and effective commitment†is kept alive and insofar as each BAG member States assumes full responsibilities to fully implement the local structure that will operate under its general coordination,” he said
Head of BAG Secretariat and Director-General of the Gambia CAA, Mr. Fansu Bojang represented who spoke also described the discussions at the event as lively and stimulating.
The BAG Secretariat also thanked the hosts for putting up a successful event as well as appreciating IPIAAM, the Mayor’s Office, BAGAIA, EASA and other partners that contributed in one way or the other to make the aviation safety week a resounding success.
