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The Sierra Leone Airports Authority, SLAA, has trained and certified 60 workers at Freetown International Airport, including 10 air traffic controllers, to improve safety and efficiency in aviation.
The certified ATCOs completed refresher training in Aerodrome and Approach Control, while the 50 personnel successfully underwent basic training in Quality Management Systems (QMS), aimed at enhancing efficiency, compliance, and service delivery within the aviation sector.
The achievement follows the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SLAA and the Ghana Aviation Training Academy (GATA), an initiative championed by SLAA General Manager, Jack D.K. Massaquoi. Demonstrating his commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, Massaquoi reportedly cut short his annual leave and travelled from Egypt to Ghana to finalise the agreement, ensuring timely access to world-class training opportunities for Sierra Leonean aviation professionals.
Speaking at the certification ceremony on June 22, Massaquoi described the training programme as part of a broader investment of more than $150,000 aimed at strengthening aviation safety, resilience, and professionalism in Sierra Leone.
”Under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, the Sierra Leone Airports Authority is investing over $150,000 to strengthen aviation safety and resilience. This marks a new beginning for Sierra Leone aviation,” Massaquoi stated. ”We are embedding resilience, safety, and excellence into our system, ensuring our skies remain among the safest in the region.”He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s human capital development agenda, which places skills development and capacity building at the centre of national progress.
Massaquoi also highlighted global aviation challenges, pointing to staffing shortages, controller fatigue, and operational pressures experienced in countries such as the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. He said Sierra Leone’s proactive investment in training is designed to avoid similar challenges and maintain high safety standards.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, commended the SLAA leadership for supporting the government’s reform agenda and strengthening compliance with international aviation standards.
He emphasised that the certifications demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and positioning the country as a credible destination for safe and efficient air transport.
Meanwhile, Deputy General Manager Bobson A. Kargbo praised the dedication of the trainees and the collaborative efforts that made the programme possible. He disclosed that three additional Air Traffic Control Officers are currently undergoing Aerodrome and Approach Control training at GATA and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to continued training, modernisation, and international partnerships.
The certification programme is expected to further enhance operational capacity at the Freetown International Airport and support Sierra Leone’s broader ambitions of developing a modern, safe, and globally competitive aviation sector.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bC6uSzk5b/
