By Mohamed Jabbie
Lungi 23rd June, 2026– The Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA) has ushered in a new era of aviation safety with the certification of 10 Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) in Aerodrome and Approach Control refresher training, alongside 50 aeronautical and non-aeronautical personnel who completed Quality Management System (QMS) basic training.
In a remarkable display of dedication, the General Manager Jack D.K. Massaquoi cut short his annual vacation and flew directly from Egypt to Ghana to finalize the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ghana Aviation Training Academy (GATA). His decision underscored the urgency of advancing Air Navigation Services at the Freetown International Airport. Thanks to this proactive move, Sierra Leonean’s ATCOs were able to access world‑class training without delay. The certificates issued on June 22 stand as living proof that the MOU is not just a document, but a driver of real implementation and results.
Mr. Massaquoi stressed that the initiative is firmly rooted in President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of human capital development as the foundation of Sierra Leone’s aviation modernization drive. Furthermore, the General Manager, contrasted Sierra Leone’s proactive approach with challenges facing larger aviation nations such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, where staffing shortages, controller fatigue, and heavy reliance on overtime have contributed to serious safety incidents, including runway incursions and operational breakdowns.
“Under President Bio’s leadership, the Sierra Leone Airports Authority is investing over $150,000 to strengthen aviation safety and resilience,” Massaquoi declared. “This marks a new beginning for Sierra Leone aviation. We are embedding resilience, safety, and excellence into our system, ensuring our skies remain among the safest in the region.”
The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, commended SLAA’s leadership for aligning with President Bio’s reform agenda. He emphasized that the certifications demonstrate Sierra Leone’s determination to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and to position the country as a credible hub for safe and efficient air transport.
In his closing remarks, Deputy General Manager Bobson A. Kargbo* praised the collective effort behind the achievement, noting that three additional ATCOs are currently undergoing Aerodrome and Approach Control training at GATA. He assured stakeholders that SLAA will continue to prioritize training, modernization, and international collaboration as pillars of Sierra Leone’s aviation growth.
