AIB Ghana Unveils Preliminary Probe Findings

Story by Fada Amakye

The Commissioner of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), Mr. John Wunborti, has presented a preliminary report on an ongoing investigation, reaffirming the Bureau’s mandate to keep the public informed while stressing that its probes are focused on prevention, not blame.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Mr. Wunborti said the update was issued in accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and in compliance with AIB Ghana’s enabling legislation, Act 1028, and Regulation 2483. “It is our mandate, and we are mandated to come to the public and to Ghanaians and tell them how far we’ve gone with investigation,” he told journalists and stakeholders.

He emphasized the core philosophy guiding the Bureau’s work. “We conduct investigations primarily not to apportion blame, not for any liability, criminal liability, but with the sole objective to correct and prevent future occurrence,” Mr. Wunborti explained. That distinction, he noted, aligns with global best practice for independent accident investigation bodies, whose role is to improve aviation safety by identifying technical and systemic factors rather than prosecuting individuals.

The Commissioner confirmed that the investigation was conducted strictly under ICAO Annex 13 standards, which govern aircraft accident and incident investigations worldwide. He referenced Section 546 of the AIB regulations as the legal basis for the public update. While details of the specific incident were not disclosed in his opening remarks, he confirmed that the process has now reached the preliminary report stage.

Following his introduction, Mr. Wunborti invited the Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Portfolio, to brief the media on the update and outline key findings from the preliminary report. “With your approval and permission, may I invite the investigator, the one in charge, Captain Portfolio, to give us the update of the investigation and the preliminary report,” he said.

AIB Ghana was established under Act 1028 to serve as an independent body responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in Ghana. Its mandate covers fact-finding, analysis, and the issuance of safety recommendations to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, operators, and other stakeholders. Preliminary reports are typically issued within 30 days of an occurrence and provide factual information without analysis or conclusions, which are reserved for the final report.

The Bureau’s insistence on transparency reflects growing public interest in aviation safety and accountability. By updating citizens on active cases, AIB Ghana seeks to build trust while ensuring that lessons from each investigation feed back into training, regulation, and operational procedures across the industry.

Captain Portfolio’s presentation is expected to cover the factual sequence of events, initial evidence collected, and any immediate safety actions already taken. A final report, which will include analysis, conclusions, and formal safety recommendations, will follow once all tests, interviews, and data reviews are completed.

The Commissioner closed his remarks by reiterating AIB Ghana’s commitment to its preventive mandate, urging media and the public to avoid speculation until the full facts are established through the Bureau’s technical process.