The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has revealed that National Security officers foiled an alleged attempt to sabotage critical airport safety equipment during a planned strike by members of the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).
According to the Authority, the incident occurred between 11:30 p.m. on January 14 and 4:30 a.m. on January 15, 2026, after GhATSEA members were allegedly instructed not to attend to faults or handle critical aviation equipment .
Rejection of Intimidation Allegations
In a statement released on September 3, 2026, the GCAA rejected claims that its Director-General, Stephen Wilfred Arthur, used National Security personnel to intimidate, harass or victimise workers . The Authority said the security personnel were deployed specifically to protect equipment critical to the safe movement of aircraft.
“Management led by the Director-General with the support of the National Security stationed at the Accra International Airport should rather be commended for foiling the attempted sabotage by the GhATSEA President,” the GCAA said .
Background of the Dispute
The dispute followed a planned industrial action by GhATSEA, which the GCAA referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC) for determination .
NLC Ruling
After hearing both parties on January 14, 2026, the NLC ruled that the proposed strike was illegal on three principal grounds :
- Legal Capacity: GhATSEA, being an association and not a certified trade union, lacked the legal authority under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to declare a strike or negotiate conditions of service .
- Procedural Defect: The strike notice was found to be procedurally defective .
- Regulatory Prohibition: The proposed action was prohibited under Regulations 20(e) and (h) of L.I. 1833 .
The Commission subsequently directed GhATSEA to pursue its grievances through the Collective Bargaining Agreement, immediately call off the intended strike, and properly engage management to resolve the issues .
Alleged Directives Despite Ruling
Despite the NLC’s ruling, the GCAA alleged that GhATSEA’s leadership instructed members to proceed with the industrial action .
The Authority said members were directed not to fix faults or handle Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment at airports in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani . The GCAA further alleged that members were instructed to inform others that the safety of Ghana’s airspace could not be guaranteed .
Critical Aviation Infrastructure
The GCAA explained that CNS systems are critical to communication, navigation and the safe operation of aircraft, adding that any disruption could put lives and flight operations at risk .
“The presence of national security personnel at the installations of the Authority was therefore a necessary safety and security measure to protect critical aviation infrastructure,” the Authority stated .
The GCAA stressed that the deployment of security officers should not be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate workers. “The GCAA, therefore, rejects any suggestion that the Director-General has embarked on a campaign of coercion, intimidation or victimisation,” it stated .
GhATSEA’s Counter-Allegations
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 .
In a September 1 open letter to the President, the association accused Rev. Arthur of intimidating, coercing and victimising members who raised workplace concerns, and said National Security personnel had accompanied him to the workplace at around 11:30 p.m. while GhATSEA members were on duty—an act it described as an unlawful use of security forces in a labour dispute .
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute dates to a January 5 strike notice in which GhATSEA cited unresolved grievances over salary distortions, job placements and working conditions, some dating back to 2012 . The association said years of dialogue, mediation and arbitration had failed to resolve the issues and warned it would strike from January 15 if they remained unaddressed .
GCAA’s Position on Labour Rights
The GCAA said workers have the right to raise concerns and seek better working conditions, but such rights must be exercised lawfully and without putting passengers, crew or aircraft at risk .
The Authority added that workers who breach the Authority’s rules could face disciplinary action, stressing that such measures should not be described as victimisation or intimidation . “Any prescribed and appropriate disciplinary actions taken against staff who have fallen foul of the rules and regulations cannot be characterised as coercive, unfair labour practice, victimisation or intimidation,” the statement said .
Commitment to Aviation Safety
The GCAA assured the travelling public that it will continue to take all necessary and lawful measures to protect Ghana’s airspace and aviation infrastructure . It reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue while maintaining that labour rights must not compromise critical aviation infrastructure or endanger the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft .
