Ghana and Nigeria Sign MoU on Aircraft Search and Rescue Cooperation

Ghana and Nigeria Sign MoU on Aircraft Search and Rescue Cooperation

Accra, Monday, 9^th March 2026 – Ghana and Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in search and rescue operations for aircraft in distress.

The agreement was signed on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the headquarters of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Accra.

Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, signed on behalf of Ghana, while the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The agreement operationalises key provisions of ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) by establishing clear procedures for alerts, notifications, and coordination between rescue coordination centres.

It also provides a framework for mutual assistance and joint response during search and rescue operations within the respective search and rescue regions of both countries.

Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Rev. Arthur said the agreement would serve as an important reference framework for both countries in handling aviation incidents and emergencies.

He explained that the MoU outlines procedures and provides guidance on how the two authorities should collaborate in the event of an aircraft accident or incident.

Rev. Arthur noted that while both aviation authorities are committed to ensuring safe and secure skies in a sustainable manner, cooperation becomes critical when unfortunate incidents occur.

He stressed the importance of pooling human and technological resources to mitigate the impact of aviation accidents and protect human life.

For his part, Captain Najomo described the signing of the MoU as an important milestone in strengthening aeronautical search and rescue systems and enhancing operational cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that search and rescue operations are not only mandatory under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 12 but also represent a fundamental humanitarian obligation and moral responsibility shared by all states engaged in international civil aviation.

According to him, when an aircraft is in distress, time becomes the most critical factor in saving lives, making effective cooperation between nations essential, adding that the framework will strengthen mechanisms for rapid response, improve cross-border coordination, and enhance emergency preparedness to ensure that aircraft and persons in distress within the sub-region receive timely and coordinated rescue support.

He said the agreement reflects African solidarity, good neighbourliness, and a shared commitment to ensuring aviation safety across the West African and Gulf of Guinea airspace.

Captain Najomo also expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana and the GCAA for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the process.

He emphasised that aviation safety cannot be achieved in isolation but must be sustained through strong partnerships and continued collaboration.