The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has held a three-day Strategy Review Workshop in Accra to formulate corporate plans and strategies for the period 2026–2028.

The workshop provided an opportunity for a review of the Authority’s performance for the first half of 2025.

The event, which commenced on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, ended on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Delivering his half-year report on day one, Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, reiterated that air travel has, for decades, been regarded as the safest mode of transportation.

He attributed this to the rigorous safety protocols in place, the high calibre of trained personnel, and the continuous integration of technological advancements that inspire public confidence in aviation.

Rev. Arthur noted, however, that as the industry looks to the future, it must respond to increasing air traffic, emerging risks, and evolving threats—such as cybersecurity and climate change—by implementing advanced and continuous safety measures.

He stressed that safety remains aviation’s top priority.

Rev. Arthur referred to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) 2026–2050 Strategic Plan, themed "Safe Skies, Sustainable Future", which aims to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable global aviation.

This 25-year plan is anchored on three pillars:

1. Achieving zero fatalities from aviation accidents and acts of unlawful interference.
2. Attaining net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for all international civil aviation operations.
3. Positioning aviation as an inclusive, accessible, affordable, and integral component of the global transport system, fostering socio-economic development without leaving any country behind.

According to ICAO, global passenger numbers are projected to grow from 4.6 billion in 2024 to 12.4 billion by 2050.

Rev. Arthur emphasised that while this presents opportunities, it also poses challenges in reducing risks and strengthening security.

Ghana, he said, is part of this growth trend, recording a 9.8% increase in passenger numbers in 2024 compared to 2023.

He cited the commissioning of the Air Navigation Services (ANS) Complex and the Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) Operations Centre by President John Mahama on Monday, 4 August 2025, as major steps toward bolstering safety and security in Ghana’s aviation industry.

In addition, Rev. Arthur said the Authority has invested in several projects to enhance operational efficiency and safety, including:

1. Development of a passenger complaint portal to streamline the submission, tracking, and resolution of passenger concerns, in line with consumer protection directives.
2. Establishment of an aviation security certification examination room equipped with training software for aviation security screeners, with certification set to commence in October 2025.
3. Implementation of the World Geodetic System (WGS84) survey across all airports in Ghana, nearing completion.
4. Construction of an ultra-modern air traffic control tower, now 28% complete.

Rev. Arthur also highlighted collaborations with the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Revenue Authority, airlines, and national security agencies in implementing the API/PNR systems and building the new ATC tower. The GCAA has also partnered with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority to develop a roadmap for Ghana’s drone sector and enhance drone training.

Despite these achievements, he acknowledged there were some challenges, including the high cost of communication, navigation, and surveillance equipment, as well as the financial strain of loan repayments for capital projects.

He remarked that the recent appreciation of the cedi has also brought in its wake “interesting developments” for the Authority, requiring innovative thinking to diversify revenue streams and control costs.

Rev. Arthur urged the participants to propose innovative ways to drive revenue, block leakages, and explore opportunities such as the development of GCAA-owned lands at Nkwantanang.

He reinforced that “safety must be everyone’s concern” and that no staff member should be left behind in promoting a positive safety culture.

Rev. Arthur concluded by stressing the importance of strategic partnerships with relevant agencies—including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ministry of Agriculture, CSIR, and the Energy Commission—to manage safety and promote sustainable aviation.

Board Chairman’s Remarks

For his part, GCAA Board Chairman, Mr. Simon Allotey, described the strategy session as critical for reviewing the Authority’s half-year performance, assessing progress towards strategic objectives, and realigning efforts to deliver on its mandate effectively and efficiently.

He expressed gratitude to the Board, management, and staff for maintaining high standards of safety, security, and service excellence, and offered condolences on the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six senior government officials.

Mr. Allotey called on participants to focus on safety, security, operational efficiency, service delivery, prudent fiscal management, and stakeholder collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s aviation ecosystem.

Opening Statement

In her opening remarks, Madam Juliet Okae, Deputy Director-General of Finance and Administration, explained that while the workshop’s purpose was to develop strategies for 2026–2028, it was necessary to first evaluate the progress made in 2025.

The review, she said, was necessary for the identification of areas for improvement, to enable the GCAA to leverage its strengths, address weaknesses, and provide quality service to customers.

She pointed out that there was a need for agility in responding to the rapidly changing aviation industry and business climate by continuously updating global strategies and contributing innovative, cutting-edge ideas to help the Authority achieve its vision.