The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has agreed in principle to accept staff attachments and secondments from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), effective immediately. The initiative seeks to enhance the capacity, skills, and professional competence of GCAA personnel through structured training and exposure to global best practices.

Under the agreement, GCAA will be permitted to send staff to Qatar for up to three weeks on attachment in key operational areas, including Aerodrome and Safety, Air Traffic Management, Human Resources, Aeronautical and Air Navigation Services, Communications, Personnel Licensing, Security, Finance, and other aviation disciplines.

The arrangement was brokered by the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, during a courtesy call on Mr. Mohamed bin Al-Hajri, Director-General of the QCAA, on the sidelines of the ICAO General Assembly held in Montréal from September 23 to October 3, 2025.

Rev. Arthur emphasized the importance of continuous training and international exposure to keep aviation professionals abreast of global trends and innovations. He noted that the partnership would provide GCAA staff with practical experience and firsthand insights into the operations of one of the world’s most advanced civil aviation systems.

He described GCAA staff as among the most dedicated and disciplined in the aviation sector, adding that Qatar would also benefit from their expertise and professionalism. Rev. Arthur further reiterated his “Leave No Staff Behind” mantra, which ensures that every employee of the Authority benefits equitably from opportunities in training, development, and welfare.

In response, Mr. Al-Hajri commended Rev. Arthur for his vision and reaffirmed the QCAA’s readiness to support the GCAA’s capacity-building efforts. He noted that Qatar’s aviation industry has made significant strides in recent years, positioning the country as a global leader in safety, innovation, and service delivery.

Benefits for GCAA

Through this partnership, GCAA staff will gain exposure to a globally recognized aviation system that integrates digital innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. The experience will enhance technical competence, safety oversight, and regulatory performance within Ghana’s aviation sector.

Rev. Arthur expressed confidence that the collaboration will serve as a catalyst for GCAA’s transformation agenda, particularly in developing its human resource base and improving service delivery across all departments.

Mr. Al-Hajri congratulated the Acting Director-General for initiating the partnership and reaffirmed QCAA’s full commitment to ensuring its success.

In a related development, Rev. Arthur has indicated his plans to engage with other Civil Aviation institutions like  the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA), General Civil Aviation Administration (GCAA) UAE, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCA), Singapore Civil Aviation Authority(SPCA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other institution to replicate the programme.

Qatar’s Achievements in Aviation Excellence

Qatar’s civil aviation sector continues to achieve remarkable milestones, which make it an ideal partner for Ghana’s human capital development agenda.

The QCAA has successfully implemented over 100 specialized digital services for civil aviation operations, including systems for passenger complaints, crew licensing, flight permits, and aircraft certification. A second phase is underway to expand these services to about 160, solidifying Qatar’s position as a pioneer in aviation digitization.

In recognition of its contributions to aviation training and development, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) honored Qatar for its strong support of fellowship and capacity-building programs that benefit professionals worldwide. The QCAA also continues to collaborate with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and other international organizations to support aviation growth across regions.

Qatar’s air traffic infrastructure has equally seen major improvements. In 2023, Hamad International Airport handled over 4 million passengers monthly, the highest in its history, while 44 airlines operated direct flights to Doha from nearly 190 cities around the world. These achievements reinforce Qatar’s role as a global aviation hub.

Technologically, the country has commissioned new long-range and medium-range radar systems covering up to 250 miles, enhancing airspace surveillance and safety management capabilities.

Qatar’s compliance record in global aviation safety and security audits is among the best in the world. It has achieved compliance scores exceeding 90 percent in ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program and 99 percent in security-related standards under Annex 17. The QCAA is also a regional leader in environmental and climate initiatives, aligning with the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). It recently published its first National Climatological Atlas to support sustainable aviation operations and planning under Qatar National Vision 2030.