Regional experts and workgroup members have gathered in Ghana with the goal of collaborating across the region to enhance safety. The theme of this year’s workshop is “Recommitting Ourselves to Safety in Operations”

As Thabani Myeza, CANSO Africa Regional Director, said: “The topic of safety is a paramount theme in our industry and that is why we think it is crucial to meet regularly to identify new ways to move forward in this field. Recently CANSO has made significant strides in delivering on regional programmes to accelerate the introduction of free route airspace and a peer review scheme for safety. Furthermore, CANSO is working closely with key regional stakeholders such as ICAO, AFRAA, and IATA to deliver on joint initiatives. These new approaches will require new ways of working and more commitment from members.”

Thabani added: “Some of our main objectives this week are learning from recent successes of collaboration and finding ways to enhance and replicate them. As well as focusing on their implementation and meaningful contribution towards regional programmes.”

On his part, Ing. Charles Kraikue, Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) indicated his excitement about the hosting of this important meeting in Accra, Ghana. Adding: "I believe aviation safety is the bedrock of the industry that directly and indirectly supports the employment and livelihood of not less than 65 million people globally. It is the reason that the GCAA has over the years championed the importance of safety among African States and gone further to include Safety and Security in its brand communication.’’

Ing Kraikue further stated: "It's important for us, as experts, to strive to come up with a common goal during these four days that will propel us to strengthen our roles in ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount in the industry.’’