The Acting Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), Mr. John M.K. Wumborti, has paid a working visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, to deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen Ghana’s aviation safety and emergency response framework.
During the meeting, Mr. Wumborti emphasized the importance of collaborating with the Ghana Navy, particularly in the areas of capacity building, training, and search and rescue missions to enhance aviation safety.
“The Ghana Navy remains a critical partner in aviation safety, especially in search and rescue operations within maritime zones under Ghanaian jurisdiction,” he noted.
The Technical Adviser to the Acting Commissioner, Alhaji Saani Adams, underscored the global nature of civil aviation and its interconnected risks.
“Aircraft transportation is the most international means of travel. The aviation space is a multistate environment where events involving an aircraft often concern multiple nations,” he said.
Alhaji Adams explained that, under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Ghana, through the AIB, was required to investigate civil aircraft accidents and incidents occurring within the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR).
“This responsibility is not only a national mandate but also an international duty governed by ICAO protocols,” he stated, adding that Act 1028, which established the AIB, mandates the Bureau to operate independently and professionally in fulfilling its functions.
He reiterated the critical role of stakeholders, including the Ghana Navy, in supporting investigations and emergency responses.
“An aircraft occurrence over the sea means the Navy becomes our frontline partner, particularly in search and rescue efforts and securing crash sites,” he said.
On his part, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as both enlightening and timely.
He affirmed the Navy’s commitment to modernising naval aviation through partnerships with key stakeholders.
“We welcome this partnership and propose the establishment of a standing committee to streamline coordination in the event of any aviation-related maritime incidents,” he concluded.
