No flight disruptions expected despite air traffic workers’ strike threat

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) says it has activated comprehensive contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted air traffic services across the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR) ahead of a planned nationwide strike by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, the Authority assured airline operators, aviation stakeholders, and the travelling public of “the continued safe, reliable, and secure provision of air traffic services” despite the industrial action scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

“The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) wishes to assure all airline operators, aviation stakeholders, and the travelling public that comprehensive contingency measures have been activated to ensure the continued safe, reliable, and secure provision of air traffic services across the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR),” the statement said.

It explained that management had “developed and implemented a CNS/ATM Systems Contingency Plan to maintain operational continuity and avoid disruptions to both domestic and international flight operations.”

The contingency plan, according to the GCAA, outlines “detailed operational procedures, designated response teams, and robust coordination mechanisms designed to uphold aviation safety and service integrity during the period of the industrial action.”

The Authority urged calm among travellers and stakeholders, saying, “GCAA remains fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of air navigation service delivery and ensuring the safety and security of all flights within Ghana’s airspace.”

It further assured that it “will continue to value human capacity development and promote staff welfare.”

The statement comes as the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) announces an indefinite nationwide strike effective October 30, 2025, over long-standing grievances concerning poor welfare conditions and what it describes as management inaction at the GCAA.

In a separate statement signed by its President, Engr. David Annan Mensah, the association said its members’ patience had “completely run out” after years of petitions and failed engagements over inequitable job placements, unfair salary administration, and unresolved welfare issues dating back more than 15 years.

GhATSEA also accused GCAA’s Director of Human Resource, Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe, of presiding over persistent mismanagement that has “eroded confidence” in his office and demanded his removal. It further criticised Acting Director-General Rev. Stephen Arthur and Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical) Mr. Theophilus Ago for what it described as a “do your worst” attitude toward staff grievances.

The planned strike, if carried out, will see Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs) withdraw their services. These personnel maintain critical communication, navigation, and surveillance systems — including radar, radio, and instrument landing operations — at key airports such as Kotoka International, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, and Wa.

GhATSEA warned that the action could make air travel unsafe for both domestic and international operations, though GCAA maintains that its contingency measures will prevent any major disruptions.