The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GHATSEA) has declared its intention to embark on an indefinite industrial action beginning Wednesday, October 30, 2025, citing persistent neglect of critical welfare and professional concerns by the management of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

In a statement signed by GHATSEA President, Eng. David Annan Mensah, the Association said the decision followed over 15 years of unresolved issues despite numerous petitions and engagements with GCAA leadership.

The grievances include unfair salary administration, inequitable job placement, and longstanding welfare challenges, which the Association claims have been repeatedly mishandled — particularly by the Director of Human Resources,  Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe.

GHATSEA is demanding:

The immediate removal of Mr. Sagoe from office;

A comprehensive review and resolution of all outstanding matters affecting Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs); and

The restoration of integrity and fairness within GCAA’s Human Resource Department to safeguard industrial harmony.

The Association expressed disappointment with what it described as the “brazen posture” of the Acting Director-General and Acting Deputy Director-General of the GCAA, accusing them of disregarding legitimate appeals for redress.

“We have exercised patience for years through peaceful engagements, but our concerns have been ignored.

The safety and reliability of Ghana’s air navigation systems depend on the dedication of ATSEPs, and we cannot continue to work under these conditions,” the statement read.

GHATSEA indicated that the planned strike is being undertaken in line with Section 160 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), and will proceed if management fails to address the issues before the stated deadline.

The Association apologised to airline operators, passengers, and the travelling public for any inconvenience but stressed that responsibility for any disruption lies with GCAA management for failing to resolve the matter.

The statement warned that once the strike begins, Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS/ATM) systems — which are essential for air traffic management and flight safety — will be non-operational, rendering air travel unsafe across all major airports in Ghana.

Affected facilities include:

Kotoka International Airport (Accra): VHF/HF radios, AFTN/AMHS, AWOS, ATIS, IRS/VSAT, ATS/DS, ILS, ADS-B, Accra Radar, DVOR.

Tamale Airport: VHF radios, AWOS, ATIS, VSAT, ATS/DS, ILS, Tamale Radar, CVOR.

Kumasi Airport: VHF radios, AWOS, ATIS, VSAT, ATS/DS, ILS, Kumasi Radar, CVOR.

Sunyani Airport: VHF radios, AWOS, ATIS, VSAT, ATS/DS.

Ho Airport: VHF radios, AWOS, ATIS, ATS/DS.

Wa Airport: VHF radios, ATS/DS.

GHATSEA cautioned that without ATSEP support, these systems — which underpin safe aircraft take-offs, landings, and in-flight communication — cannot operate safely.

Travellers with scheduled flights on or after October 30, 2025, are therefore advised to check with their airlines for updates as the situation develops.

The Association further appealed to the government, Parliament, civil society, and the media to intervene and support its call for justice, accountability, and fair treatment of technical professionals who form the backbone of Ghana’s aviation safety infrastructure.

Stakeholders across the aviation sector are now closely monitoring the unfolding situation, which could significantly disrupt air transport operations nationwide if a resolution is not reached in time.