Accident oversight, airport management in focus as Ghana engages ICAO

The government is putting aviation safety, oversight, and airport management at the center of its engagement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as the country’s transport minister leads a high-level delegation to the 42^nd  ICAO Assembly in Montréal, Canada.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe is joined by John M.K. Wumborti, Acting Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited.

The 10-day assembly, hosted by Canada from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3, is the world’s top forum for governments and industry stakeholders to set the direction of global aviation.

The country’s participation highlights its intention to strengthen systems across accident investigation, regulatory enforcement, and airport operations. Minister Nikpe said the country remains committed to working with ICAO and other partners to ensure safety, security, and sustainability are central to aviation policy.

“We believe that no nation should be left behind in shaping the future of air transport,” he said.

Canada’s Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, opening the event, underscored the need for cooperation, innovation, accessibility, and sustainability. He reiterated Canada’s commitment to strong safety and inclusion standards in international aviation.

The Ghanaian delegation also attended the ICAO Innovation Fair, held ahead of the assembly, which showcased new technologies and solutions aimed at improving aviation safety and inclusivity. Participation in the fair reflects Ghana’s interest in leveraging innovation to support its domestic aviation industry.

By fielding senior representatives from the accident investigation bureau, the aviation regulator, and the airports company, Ghana is signaling a coordinated approach to addressing gaps in safety oversight, managing accident investigations more efficiently, and modernizing airport infrastructure. The move comes as ICAO pushes its “no country left behind” agenda, which aims to ensure that smaller and developing nations benefit from global aviation standards.

The Montréal meetings are expected to set priorities on safety, emissions, and digital innovation for the next three years. For Ghana, aligning with these discussions is seen as key to boosting confidence in its aviation sector, improving compliance with international safety standards, and strengthening the role of Kotoka International Airport as a hub in West Africa.

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