The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rejected allegations of unfair labour practices, victimisation, coercion and intimidation levelled against its Director-General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).
The GCAA, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, said the deployment of National Security personnel at some of its installations was necessary to protect critical aviation infrastructure and safeguard the country’s airspace.
The Authority said the dispute followed an intended industrial action by GhATSEA, which was referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC).
According to the GCAA, the NLC ruled on January 14, 2026, that the proposed strike was illegal on three grounds.
It said the Commission found that GhATSEA, being an association rather than a certified trade union, lacked the legal capacity under the Labour Act, 2003, Act 651, to declare a strike or negotiate conditions of service.
The NLC also reportedly found the strike notice procedurally defective and said the proposed action was prohibited under Regulations 20(e) and (h) of L.I. 1833.
The GCAA said the NLC subsequently directed GhATSEA to pursue its grievances through the Collective Bargaining Agreement and call off the intended industrial action.
However, the Authority alleged that despite the ruling, GhATSEA leadership advised its members to proceed with the action and instructed them not to attend to faults or handle equipment in Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment rooms in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani.
The GCAA said members were also allegedly instructed to tell others that the safety of Ghana’s airspace could not be guaranteed.
The Authority described the development as a serious aviation safety and security concern, given the critical role CNS systems play in air traffic operations.
It therefore defended the presence of National Security personnel at its installations, saying the measure was intended to protect critical infrastructure and prevent a potential act of sabotage that could endanger passengers, aircraft and flight operations.
The GCAA further claimed that management, with support from National Security personnel stationed at the Accra International Airport, foiled what it described as an “attempted sabotage” involving the GhATSEA President between 11:30 p.m. on January 14 and 4:30 a.m. on January 15, 2026.
The Authority rejected claims that the Director-General had embarked on a campaign of coercion, intimidation or victimisation.
It said any disciplinary action taken against staff who breached applicable rules and regulations should not be characterised as unfair labour practice, coercion or victimisation.
The GCAA, however, said it respects workers’ legitimate rights to organise and raise concerns through lawful channels and remains committed to dialogue and resolving grievances.
Meanwhile, GhATSEA has separately petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the dispute, alleging intimidation and victimisation of its members. The association has also raised concerns about the continued interdiction of its President, Engineer David Annan Mensah.
The GCAA has assured the travelling public that it will continue to take what it describes as necessary and lawful measures to protect Ghana’s airspace and aviation infrastructure.
By: Bernard Mensah
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