… Photo caption: LR: Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, BAGAIA Commissioner; Mr. Rex Bhonapha, Deputy Minister 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
The 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has called for an enhanced collaboration and commitment to aviation safety across member states.
The BAGAIA Commissioner,Engr. Charles Erhueh made the call while delivering closing remarks at the just concluded meeting.
He rememphasised the significance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in enhancing the safety and security of African skies.
The meeting held from December 16-18, 2024 at Pestana Tropico Hotel, brought together key aviation stakeholders, including ministers, industry leaders, and technical experts.
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 His Excellency, Dr. Carlos Santos, Minister of Transport and Tourism, 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, Hon. 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.
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.
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
Also speaking, Bhonapha 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.
He, however stressed that it does not to imply that the West African nation will not fufil 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,” Bhonapha said.
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