Ghanaian doctor makes history as first African inducted into world's highest aviation medicine academy

Ghanaian doctor Dr Issaka Yakubu Akparibo has made history as the first African to be inducted as a full member of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (IAASM), described as the world's highest academic body in aviation and space medicine.

Dr Akparibo's induction on 2nd October 2026 at Istanbul, Turkey, follows his contributions to aerospace medicine, including research and publications in the field.

Membership of the IAASM is reserved for individuals recognised for outstanding research, publications and significant contributions to aviation and space medicine.

His admission as a full member makes him the first African to attain the distinction, marking a major milestone for Ghana and the continent in the specialised field.

Dr Akparibo is the Co-Founder of CareFlight Ghana and Ghana's first Aerospace Medicine Specialist.

He trained in aerospace medicine at Wright State University, King's College London and the Royal Air Force Centre of Aviation Medicine.

He also serves as an Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

His work spans aviation and aerospace medicine, with his professional experience placing him at the intersection of healthcare and aviation safety.

CareFlight Ghana
Dr Akparibo is also a co-founder of CareFlight Ghana, a wholly Ghanaian-owned air and ground ambulance provider.

The company provides emergency medical transportation services as well as site-based health services to the mining and oil and gas industries.

His induction into the IAASM adds to his professional achievements and highlights the growing contribution of Ghanaian expertise to specialised areas of global medicine.