AIB needs more funding to deliver on mandate – Aviation Engineer
A Retired Pilot and Senior Aviation Engineer, Mr Paul Forjoe, has advocated more funding to the Aircraft Accidents and Incidents Investigation and Prevention (AIB) to help execute its mission.
According to him, AIB was “totally underfunded” and operating far below the level required under international aviation conventions Ghana has signed,
That, he said, raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of aviation safety oversight in the country.
Speaking as a panel member during a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Forjoe, said the Bureau’s current funding arrangement did not reflect Ghana’s obligations under global aviation safety standards.
The panel discussion to mark the fifth anniversary celebration of AIB, held on the theme “Five Years of Enhancing Safety: The Role of Accident Investigation in Aviation Safety in Ghana”, brought together aviation professionals, regulators and engineers to reflect on the achievements, challenges and future priorities of AIB Ghana.
He described AIB’s performance over the past five years as nothing short of “magic”, achieved through prudent management of very limited resources, but cautioned that such an approach could not be sustained indefinitely.
According to him, the country lacked clear legislative provisions to guarantee immediate funding in the event of a major aircraft accident, including resources for investigations and assistance to victims and their families.
“We have signed on to these conventions as a country, yet we do not have the necessary framework in our laws to back them,” he said, calling for a national policy backed by legislation to ensure compliance.
Mr Forjoe also advocated stronger institutional coordination, proposing the establishment of a standing committee to deepen collaboration between AIB and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
He argued that beyond the necessary engagements, a structured review mechanism would help integrate safety recommendations more effectively into regulatory oversight and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth between agencies.
For his part, Captain Samuel Thompson, also a retired pilot explained that investigation reports often led to safety recommendations which help regulators identify gaps in existing directives and strengthen surveillance.
He said data from accident and occurrence reports now inform Ghana’s National Aviation Safety Plan, updated every two years, enabling authorities to detect trends early and apply mitigation measures before incidents escalate into major accidents.
Captain Thompson stressed the importance of continuous training as aviation systems evolve, noting that sophisticated equipment is of little value without skilled personnel to operate and interpret complex data such as flight data recorder information.
An Airworthiness Engineer at the GCAA, Mr Eric Ewusie, underscored the need to strengthen implementation of safety recommendations through closer collaboration and follow-up.
He said investigation outcomes were only meaningful if they translate into concrete corrective actions across the aviation system.
The Commissioner of AIB, Mr John Wunborti, emphasised that confidentiality was the cornerstone of aviation investigation, warning that breaches could have serious legal consequences.
He assured stakeholders that voluntary reports submitted to AIB were treated with strict confidentiality and encouraged reporters to avoid public disclosure, which often creates unnecessary fear or mistrust.
Mr Wunborti also highlighted AIB’s commitment to continuous training and capacity building to enhance staff development.
BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA
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