Ghana Upskills Aviation Experts to Enhance Air Safety
The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AAIIPB) of Ghana has launched a weeklong workshop at the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy (GATA), located at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, to advance expertise in aircraft accident investigation.
The training which kicked off yesterday November 4 will end November 8, 2024, is focused on equipping aviation professionals from Ghana with the critical skills needed to enhance air safety and improve investigative competencies.
A total of 23 representatives from key aviation entities, including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Air Traffic Controllers, the Ghana Air Force, and various airline operators, are participating in the intensive training sessions.
Commissioner Akwasi Prempeh, head of Ghana’s AAIIPB and President of the West African Society of Air Safety Investigators (WASASI), emphasized the vital role of training in keeping up with the evolving complexities of the aviation industry.
“Our sector is rapidly changing, and to maintain safety, we must continuously update our knowledge, enhance our skills, and familiarize ourselves with modernized tools,” Prempeh noted.
He underscored that the training would empower investigators with the specialized expertise required to address the dynamic challenges in aviation safety.
The workshop is conducted in collaboration with Cranfield University’s Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, known globally for its advanced training programs in aviation safety.
This partnership provides participants with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience and deepen their technical knowledge.
Speaking at the event, Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh, Commissioner of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), commended Cranfield University’s involvement.
He highlighted the workshop as a transformative opportunity for regional aviation safety, stating, “This program is a crucial step in expanding our skills as accident investigators, promoting safer skies across the industry. The training will not only enhance our investigative capabilities but also foster collaborative safety practices across borders.”
Erhueh expressed optimism about the workshop’s impact on participants. “I am confident that this will be an enlightening experience for all. It is essential to make the most of this opportunity to learn from distinguished professionals and engage with peers,” he added.
The workshop aligns with ongoing efforts across West Africa to strengthen aviation safety standards, ensuring a safer and more resilient aviation environment within the region and beyond.
