The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rejected claims made by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) that the authority engaged in intimidation, victimisation or unfair treatment of its staff. Editorial Standards
GhATSEA had accused management of using National Security personnel to harass employees calling it an act of intimidation.In response the GCAA said its decision to deploy security staff at sites was based on genuine safety concerns.
The agency stressed that protecting aviation infrastructure is a top priority especially when there are threats to air traffic operations.
The GCAA pointed out that the planned industrial action by GhATSEA had already been reviewed by the National Labour Commission (NLC).
On January 14 2026 the NLC ruled the strike illegal. According to the GCAA the commission gave three reasons for this decision.First GhATSEA is not a certified trade union under the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651). It does not have the legal right to call a strike or negotiate terms of service.
Second the notice for the strike was found to be flawed in procedure. Third the proposed action violated Regulations 20(e). H) of the Labour Regulations, 2001 (L.I. 1833).The NLC then instructed GhATSEA to follow the steps outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to cancel the strike plans. Corrections Policy
The GCAA says the leadership of GhATSEA ignored this directive. Instead members were told to stop working on communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) equipment at locations. Including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani.
The GCAA also said staff were urged to tell others that the safety of Ghana’s airspace could no longer be guaranteed. The authority described CNS systems as essential for flight safety.
Said it could not overlook any possible threat to aircraft operations.Because of these concerns the GCAA said it brought in National Security personnel as a precaution. It argued this move was meant to protect aviation assets not to intimidate or target workers.
The GCAA denied that security presence amounted to harassment or victimisation.The authority further claimed that between 11:30 p.m.
On January 14 and 4:30 a.m. On January 15 2026 management with support from National Security staff at Accra International Airport prevented a suspected sabotage attempt. However no details were given about what happened.
There was also no mention of an investigation or charges being filed.Despite this the GCAA insisted its actions were within its powers and consistent with its duty to protect Ghana’s civil aviation system.
This conflict comes at a time when questions are growing about how labour issuesre handled in Ghana’s aviation sector. The GCAA acknowledged workers’ rights to organise and voice concerns.. It added that those rights must be exercised through lawful channels.
Disciplinary actions taken against employees who break rules the GCAA said, should not be seen as abuse, coercion or punishment. The authority argued that in a safety- industry like aviation enforcing rules is part of management’s responsibility. Editorial Ethics & Independence
It explained that disruptions to CNS systems. Which control communication, navigation and surveillance for flights. Can have consequences beyond a simple workplace dispute. That is why the GCAA believes it must act quickly when it sees risks to infrastructure.
Still the GCAA said it remains open to talks. It reaffirmed its commitment to solving labour issues through dialogue.
The authority insists that keeping aviation safe and respecting worker rights are not conflicting goals. It added that any industrial action in a safety-sensitive area must follow the law.
As tensions continue this dispute is likely to stay in focus. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how both sides respond and what impact this may have on relationships between employers and workers, in Ghana’s aviation sector.
For passengers and the public the GCAA promised that safety remains its concern. The authority said it would keep taking all lawful measures to protect people, planes, airports and flight operations.
More clarity might come if labour authorities or other official bodies step in to investigate. For now the GCAA stands by its position: its decisions were made for security reasons. Were legal. It continues to reject claims that it treated GhATSEA members unfairly.