The newly constituted governing board of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), chaired by Ing. Simon Molai Allotey, has pledged to work closely with management and staff to restore Ghana's top position in Africa’s aviation industry.

Speaking at a staff durbar held at the GCAA’s headquarters at Kotoka International Airport on Friday, 18 July 2025, where the new Board was introduced, Mr Allotey, a former Director-General of the Authority, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, efficiency, and innovation in civil aviation.

Gratitude and Commitment

Mr Allotey expressed the Board’s appreciation to President John Mahama and the Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for the confidence reposed in the Board’s members.

“We will live up to expectations,” he assured, recognising the commitment and hard work of the GCAA workforce. “Your dedication to operational excellence has been the backbone of this great institution. I am proud of you.”

He also congratulated Mr Theophilus Ago on his appointment as Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical), pledging the Board’s full support in his new role.

Board Composition

Apart from Mr Allotey as the chairman, the other members of the nine-member Board include:

1. Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur (Ag. Director-General, GCAA)
2. Group Capt. Fiifi Adu Boadu (Ghana Airforce)
3. Capt. Nathaniel Kojo Anderson (Pilot)
4. Mrs. Linda Assibi Awuni (Geological Engineer)
5. Madam Eunice Grant (Entrepreneur/Administrator)
6. Mrs. Mabel Sagoe (Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport)
7. Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni (MP, Salaga North)
8. Okatakyi Komeh VIII (Paramount Chief of the Komenda Traditional Area) in the Central Region.

Restoring Ghana’s Aviation Leadership

Highlighting Ghana’s past achievements, Mr Allotey recalled that just before exiting the GCAA as DG, the Authority achieved a nearly 90% score in the ICAO USOAP audit—then the highest in Africa—earning global recognition and safety awards at the 40th ICAO Assembly in Montreal.

“Today, Ghana ranks fourth behind Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and South Africa. We must reclaim our position as champions of Africa,” he declared.

To this end, he said the Board will prioritise sustainability through enhanced revenue generation and prudent resource use. The Board also intends to support the government's ambitions to establish a new national airline and a flight training academy at Ho Airport, in line with Ghana’s vision of becoming a major aviation hub.

Focus on Staff Welfare and Training

Mr Allotey assured staff that their welfare remains a top priority.

“A well-motivated workforce is essential to achieving our goals. We will prioritise training, development, and staff wellbeing,” he emphasised.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the Board, management, and staff to achieve shared success. “Let us walk forward with professionalism, humility, and integrity. Our strength lies in our diversity and shared purpose.”

He concluded with a patriotic call to service: “Let us arise for our country. The nation demands our devotion. Let’s unite to make her great and strong.”

Rev. Arthur’s ‘No Staff Left Behind’ Mantra

For his part, Acting Director-General Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur thanked the President and the Transport Minister for the appointments and praised the calibre of the new Board.

He highlighted the role of the Board in shaping GCAA’s strategic direction, ensuring good governance, and driving performance, accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Rev. Arthur reiterated his leadership philosophy, inspired by ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative, now locally adopted as ‘No Staff Left Behind’.

“This is more than a slogan. It is a commitment to ensure that no staff member is overlooked as we move the Authority forward. From air traffic controllers to administrative personnel, every role matters.”

“An organisation only flies as high as its people feel valued,” Rev. Arthur said, urging: “Respect should not be reserved for managers alone. Our true test of humility lies in how we treat those who can do nothing for us in return.”

Call to Unity and Discipline

He emphasised inclusivity in career progression, promotions, remuneration, and training, and promised continued transparent communication and responsive leadership.

“No team should be sidelined. No role should be underestimated. We must grow and rise together,” Rev. Arthur added.

He ended with an appeal for discipline and commitment, urging staff to avoid lateness, practise financial discipline, and remain productive. After meeting the staff members, the Board had a tour of GCAA’s facilities to familiarise themselves with the Authority’s operations