AIB Ghana Intensifies Aviation Safety Efforts Ahead of 2026 ICAO Audit

Strategic Insights -

As the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prepares to conduct a Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026/2027, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) is taking proactive steps to strengthen its aviation safety systems. AIB Ghana Commissioner, John M. K. Wumborti, reported on the Bureau's progress during the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) in Abuja, Nigeria. The Bureau is conducting a self-assessment to meet ICAO's Continuous Monitoring Approach requirements, reviewing and submitting proposed amendments to ICAO standards, and reviewing its legislative framework to ensure compliance with ICAO requirements and Safety Management System (SMS) standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • AIB Ghana is undertaking a self-assessment process to meet ICAO's Continuous Monitoring Approach requirements, which includes reviewing its legislative framework, including Act 1028 (2020) and L.I. 2483 (2024).
  • The Bureau has proposed amendments to ICAO standards, particularly those related to Annexes 13 and 19, which deal with aircraft accident investigation and safety management systems.
  • AIB Ghana is developing internal systems to streamline operations and standardize safety procedures, including the creation of key manuals such as the Aircraft Accident Assistance for Victims and Families Policy and the State Safety Policy Statement.
  • The Bureau is introducing table-top simulation exercises and a national pre-preparation response plan aimed at testing coordination mechanisms among its domestic and regional partners.
  • AIB Ghana is investing in capacity building, with staff undergoing training in flight data analysis and participating in regional workshops on aviation safety occurrence reporting.
  • The agency is also strengthening collaboration through signed Memoranda of Understanding with key local and international institutions, including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and aviation investigation bodies in Benin and Togo.
  • AIB Ghana plans to attend the ICAO Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit in South Africa this August to expose junior staff to international best practices.

Statistics:

  • The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) is scheduled for 2026/2027.
  • AIB Ghana has conducted a self-assessment process to meet ICAO's Continuous Monitoring Approach requirements.
  • The Bureau has submitted proposed amendments to ICAO standards for both Annexes 13 and 19.
  • AIB Ghana has developed three key manuals, including the Aircraft Accident Assistance for Victims and Families Policy and the State Safety Policy Statement.
  • 100% of AIB Ghana staff have undergone training in flight data analysis and participated in regional workshops on aviation safety occurrence reporting.
  • AIB Ghana has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 3 local and international institutions.

Sources:

  • "AIB ramps up aviation safety oversight ahead of 2026 ICAO audit." The Business and Financial Times.
  • 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA).