Accra: The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that National Security officers successfully foiled an alleged attempt to sabotage critical airport safety equipment amidst a planned strike by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).
According to Ghana Web, the incident occurred between 11:30 p.m. on January 14 and 4:30 a.m. on January 15, 2026, after GhATSEA members were reportedly instructed not to attend to faults or handle critical aviation equipment. A statement released by the GCAA on September 3, 2026, refuted claims that its Director-General, Stephen Wilfred Arthur, used National Security personnel to intimidate, harass, or victimise workers. Instead, the Authority stated that the deployment of security personnel was aimed at protecting equipment that is vital for the safe movement of aircraft.
The GCAA commended the efforts of the Director-General and National Security for preventing the attempted sabotage allegedly led by the GhATSEA President. This incident was linked to a planned industrial action by GhATSEA, which the GCAA had referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC). The NLC ruled on January 14 that the planned strike was illegal and ordered its immediate cessation, highlighting that GhATSEA, as an association and not a certified trade union, lacked the legal authority to call a strike or negotiate conditions of service.
Despite the ruling, the GCAA accused GhATSEA leaders of instructing their members to persist in the action, directing them not to address faults or handle Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) equipment at airports across Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Sunyani. The GCAA emphasized that these systems are crucial for communication, navigation, and the safe operation of aircraft, and any disruption could endanger lives and flight operations.
The Authority reiterated that the presence of national security personnel at its installations was a necessary measure to safeguard critical aviation infrastructure, and should not be misconstrued as intimidation of workers. It firmly rejected any allegations that the Director-General engaged in coercion or victimisation, asserting that while workers have the right to seek better conditions, such actions must be conducted lawfully and without jeopardizing safety.
Furthermore, the GCAA warned that workers who violate the Authority’s rules could face disciplinary action, stressing that such actions should not be viewed as intimidation or victimisation.