Why Ghana Air Traffic Safety Engineers Issued Strike Notice to GCAA

The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) has formally issued a seven-day GhATSEA strike notice to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This action signals a potential withdrawal of services by aviation safety engineers. The strike is scheduled to begin on or after January 15, 2026, if long-standing issues remain unresolved. The notice complies with Sections 159 and 160 of Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). GhATSEA cites unresolved welfare concerns and alleged bad-faith negotiations. The association also points to persistent unresolved human resource irregularities at the GCAA. This escalation follows years of failed dialogue, mediation, and arbitration efforts. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.

Core Grievances and Demands

The GCAA welfare disputes stem from issues dating back over a decade. GhATSEA outlined three specific, non-negotiable demands in its formal notice.

Key Details of the Dispute

• Dr. Imoro Report: The association demands full implementation of this report on salary disparities.
• Promotional Needs: Immediate action is sought on a Promotional Needs Petition submitted in July 2025.
• HR Conduct: GhATSEA demands decisive intervention regarding the Director of Human Resources. The union alleges a pattern of inequitable job placements and salary distortions since 2012.

GhATSEA also highlighted a major point of contention regarding their employment status. The GCAA management reportedly classified them as non-essential workers in a 2016 dispute. However, the association claims GCAA now calls them essential workers in the current dispute. GhATSEA argues this inconsistency undermines trust and good-faith labor relations.

Impact on Airspace Operations

The strike by Ghana Air Traffic Safety personnel poses a serious threat to the country’s air travel sector. Air traffic management disruption is a primary concern for the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. GhATSEA warned that a strike would affect the integrity of Ghana's airspace operations.

• Safety Risk: The withdrawal of services could compromise crucial air navigation systems.
• Affected Systems: This includes VHF/HF radios, radar, Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), and Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS).
• Airport Impact: The safety of flights at major airports, including Kotoka International Airport, Tamale, and Kumasi, could be jeopardized.

Such a strike would significantly impact international carriers like Emirates and other airlines operating in the region. Prolonged disruption could severely affect both domestic and international air travel. The association maintains that resolving these issues is vital for national safety and airspace operations security. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global standards for safety and efficiency. The GCAA, as Ghana's regulator, is responsible for adhering to these standards. GhATSEA is urging the GCAA Board to intervene decisively. The association previously suspended a planned strike in October 2025 following Board assurances. However, GhATSEA alleges management failed to follow through on those commitments.