By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) successfully hosted the 4th meeting of the BAGASOO Technical Committee on Safety (TCS) from March 10 to 14, 2025, in Freetown, bringing together aviation safety experts from across West Africa. The high-level gathering convened representatives from the member states of the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO), including Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea. With Arnold Hassan Bangura, Director-General of SLCAA, presiding as chair, alongside Nigeria as Vice Chair and The Gambia and Ghana serving as secretaries, the meeting marked a significant step in strengthening aviation safety oversight in the region.
Over the course of five days, participants engaged in extensive deliberations aimed at enhancing safety protocols and regulatory frameworks across member states. The primary focus was the refinement of critical aviation safety oversight documents, including the BAGASOO Generic Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and proposed amendments to Part 19. These regulations are vital to maintaining uniform safety standards in alignment with international best practices. Key discussions also centered on the Compliance Checklist and Electronic Filing of Differences (CC/EFOD) for Annex 19 on Safety Management, as well as the proposed BAGASOO Generic State Safety Programme, both of which are instrumental in strengthening member states’ adherence to global aviation safety requirements.
A crucial segment of the meeting was dedicated to the development and assessment of Safety Management System (SMS) manuals and procedures for evaluating SMS implementation. This initiative aims to enhance the capability of member states in proactively managing aviation risks and ensuring safer skies. A standout moment was the comprehensive demonstration of the BAGASOO Safety Oversight Portal by the BAGASOO Secretariat team. This digital tool is designed to bolster safety oversight capabilities, enabling member states to monitor, assess, and improve aviation safety compliance through a streamlined and data-driven approach.
Further enriching the discourse, Sierra Leone and Ghana shared insights into their experiences with Aviation Safety Management and State Safety Programmes, offering valuable lessons and practical solutions that can be adopted across the region. Their presentations underscored the importance of regional collaboration and the exchange of best practices in fostering a robust aviation safety culture.
As the meeting concluded, a strong sense of commitment prevailed among the participating states, reinforcing BAGASOO’s mission to harmonize safety regulations and ensure all member states remain aligned with the latest advancements in aviation safety. With the adoption of key resolutions and a renewed dedication to continuous improvement, the 4th BAGASOO Technical Committee on Safety meeting solidified its role as a pivotal platform for advancing aviation safety oversight in West Africa. The outcomes of this gathering are expected to drive significant progress in regulatory harmonization, safety management, and technological advancements, ensuring safer and more efficient air travel across the region.
