Safeguarding Ghana's skies: Story of the aircraft accident, Incident Investigation bureau

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) of Ghana stands as a critical pillar in the state's aviation safety oversight architecture.

Rooted in international standards and recommended practices, particularly the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13, the AIB Ghana was established by Act 1028 in 2020 to independently investigate civil aircraft accidents and incidents within Ghana’s jurisdiction.

Prior to the establishment, the Minister of Aviation was empowered by a legislative instrument (Act 985) to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in Ghana.

However, the investigation body was ad-hoc, with a committee formed after each aircraft accident and serious incident. Notably, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority also conducted investigations, potentially creating a conflict of interest situation.

The weaknesses of non-autonomous investigation bodies highlight the importance of independent institutions for credible aircraft accident and incident investigations.

In view of this, the country took proactive steps to form an independent Aircraft Accident and Incident Bureau dedicated solely to objective and transparent investigation into aircraft accident and incidents and prevention typically conducted by aviation regulatory authorities which sometimes posed a conflict of interest situation.

Recognising the need for objective and transparent investigations, Ghana took proactive steps to form an independent bureau dedicated solely to accident investigation and prevention.

The AIB Ghana's core functions include investigating accidents and incidents to determine their causes and contributing factors and reported, issuing safety recommendations to prevent recurrence and studying aviation trends to promote a culture of safety.

Unlike the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation regulator authority, whose primary role is regulation and enforcement, the AIB Ghana focuses purely on understanding what went wrong, the root causes and providing safety recommendations for implementation by stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of the same accident or incident.

Why the AIB was established

The AIB Ghana was established to close a critical gap in aviation safety governance in Ghana. It was driven by the urgent need for independent, credible investigations that would enhance public trust and meet international expectations.

With Ghana’s aviation sector experiencing growth — including increased international flights, the expansion of domestic services and the strategic importance of the Kotoka International Airport as a regional hub — the government recognised that maintaining a high standard of safety was paramount.

An independent investigation body ensures that any safety weaknesses exposed by accidents or incidents are identified transparently, lessons are learned and corrective actions are recommended.

This model aligns Ghana with the best international practices and strengthens its aviation sector’s resilience and integrity.

Relevance of autonomous institution

Ghana’s decision to make the AIB Ghana an autonomous institution has proven to be a major step toward solidifying its leadership in African aviation safety.

The autonomy of the AIB Ghana brings multiple advantages, namely ensuring impartiality. Free from the control of aviation operators, regulators and other stakeholders, the AIB can investigate aircraft accidents and incidents without external pressure, ensuring credible and reliable findings.

Further, it builds public and international trust. Passengers, airlines and international bodies need assurance that air travel in Ghana meets the highest safety standards. An independent AIB Ghana gives credibility to safety investigations and reassures stakeholders.

It also strengthens compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

ICAO emphasises that accident investigation authorities must be functionally independent.

By creating the AIB, Ghana ensures compliance with international obligations, facilitating better cooperation and recognition globally.

It further enhances proactive safety management.

The AIB Ghana does not just react to accidents; it studies safety data, detects trends and recommends measures to prevent future accidents, fostering a forward-looking aviation safety culture.

It also boosts economic growth.

Aviation safety is a crucial factor for attracting foreign airlines, investors and tourists.

A strong, autonomous safety institution increases confidence in Ghana’s aviation sector, contributing directly to national economic development.

Today, as aviation technology rapidly evolves and traffic volumes increase, the role of independent safety bodies such as Ghana’s AIB becomes even more vital.

It ensures that Ghana remains not only a growing aviation market but also a leader in safety, resilience and innovation across the African continent.

The establishment of the AIB reflects Ghana’s commitment to protecting lives, promoting best practices and ensuring that the nation’s skies remain among the safest in Africa and the world.

The writer Hea, Public Relations Unit,
Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB).