The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rejected allegations of unfair labour practices, victimisation, coercion and intimidation levelled against its Director-General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, the Authority also defended the deployment of National Security personnel at some of its installations, describing it as a necessary measure to protect critical aviation infrastructure.

The GCAA said the dispute followed an intended industrial action by GhATSEA, which it referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC).

According to the Authority, the NLC, after hearing the parties on January 14, 2026, ruled that the proposed strike was illegal on three grounds.

It said the Commission found that GhATSEA, being an association rather than a certified trade union, lacked the legal capacity under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), to declare a strike or negotiate conditions of service.

The NLC also reportedly found the strike notice procedurally defective and ruled that the proposed action was prohibited under Regulations 20(e) and (h) of L.I. 1833.

The Commission subsequently advised GhATSEA to initiate its grievances under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, call off the intended strike and bring its concerns before management for resolution, the GCAA said.

However, the Authority alleged that despite the NLC's ruling, GhATSEA's leadership advised members to proceed with the industrial action.

It further alleged that members were instructed not to attend to faults or handle equipment in Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment rooms at Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani.

The GCAA said members were also allegedly instructed to inform others that the safety of Ghana's airspace could not be guaranteed.

The Authority said it considered the situation a serious safety and security concern because of the critical role CNS systems play in aviation.

It consequently defended the presence of National Security personnel at its installations.

“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 and prevent an intended act of sabotage that could have endangered human lives and aircraft operations,” the GCAA stated.

The Authority rejected suggestions that the deployment was intended to intimidate, harass or victimise GhATSEA members.

It further claimed that management, led by the Director-General and supported by National Security personnel stationed at the Accra International Airport, had foiled what it described as an “attempted sabotage” during the period between 11:30 p.m. on January 14 and 4:30 a.m. on January 15, 2026.

The GCAA also dismissed allegations that its Director-General had embarked on a campaign of coercion, intimidation or victimisation.

“Management's actions have been guided by its statutory responsibility to ensure the safety, security and orderly operation of Ghana's civil aviation system,” the Authority said.

Disciplinary action

On disciplinary measures taken against some staff, the GCAA said such actions were based on its rules and regulations.

“Any prescribed and appropriate disciplinary actions taken against any staff member who has fallen foul of the rules and regulations cannot be characterised as coercive, unfair labour practice, victimisation, or intimidation,” it stated.

The Authority said it respects employees' legitimate rights to organise and raise workplace concerns through lawful and recognised mechanisms.

It added that it remains committed to dialogue and resolving grievances through appropriate channels.

However, the GCAA stressed that the exercise of labour rights must not compromise critical aviation infrastructure or endanger passengers, crew or aircraft.

The Authority assured the travelling public that it would continue to take what it described as necessary and lawful measures to protect Ghana's airspace and aviation infrastructure.

The dispute between the GCAA and GhATSEA dates back to early 2026, when members of the association raised concerns over working conditions and other workplace grievances.

The matter was subsequently taken before the National Labour Commission, while allegations of victimisation and intimidation emerged following disciplinary action against some staff after the January incident.