The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has said National Security officers foiled an alleged attempt to sabotage critical airport safety equipment during a planned strike by members of the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA).

The Authority said the incident occurred between 11:30 p.m. on January 14 and 4:30 a.m. on January 15, 2026, after GhATSEA members were allegedly instructed not to attend to faults or handle critical aviation equipment.

In a statement released on September 3, 2026, the GCAA rejected claims that its Director-General, Stephen Wilfred Arthur, used National Security personnel to intimidate, harass or victimise workers.

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Instead, it said the security personnel were deployed to protect equipment critical to the safe movement of aircraft.

“Management led by the Director-General with the support of the National Security stationed at the Accra International Airport should rather be commended for foiling the attempted sabotage by the GhATSEA President,” the GCAA said.

The dispute followed a planned industrial action by GhATSEA, which the GCAA referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC).

According to the Authority, the NLC ruled on January 14 that the planned strike was illegal and ordered GhATSEA to call it off immediately.

The GCAA said the Commission found that GhATSEA was an association and not a certified trade union and, therefore, did not have the legal authority to declare a strike or negotiate conditions of service.

The NLC also identified issues with the strike notice and directed GhATSEA to raise its concerns with management through the appropriate channels.

Despite the ruling, the GCAA alleged that GhATSEA leaders instructed their members to continue with the action.

It said members were directed not to fix faults or handle Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment at airports in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sunyani.

The GCAA said these systems are critical to communication, navigation and the safe operation of aircraft, adding that any disruption could put lives and flight operations at risk.

“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,” the Authority said.

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It stressed that the deployment of security officers should not be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate workers.

“The GCAA, therefore, rejects any suggestion that the Director-General has embarked on a campaign of coercion, intimidation or victimisation,” it stated.

The Authority said workers have the right to raise concerns and seek better working conditions, but such rights must be exercised lawfully and without putting passengers, crew or aircraft at risk.

It added that workers who breach the Authority’s rules could face disciplinary action, stressing that such measures should not be described as victimisation or intimidation.

DR/MA

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