Air Traffic engineers suspend strike after talks with GCAA
The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Engineers Association has suspended its planned strike action, which was due to begin today, 30 October, following successful discussions with the management and governing board of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
In a statement signed by its president, David Annan Mensah, the association said the decision followed “constructive engagement” with GCAA leadership, giving hope for a lasting resolution to their concerns.
Mr Mensah described the talks as open and productive, noting that GCAA management had shown strong commitment to addressing the issues that led to the planned industrial action. He indicated that the outcome of the meeting had restored confidence between the two sides.
The association expressed appreciation to all parties who contributed to the progress of the negotiations. It commended the Acting Director-General of the GCAA, Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur, and the Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical), Theophilus Aryee Ago, for their dedication and efforts in resolving the impasse.
The group also thanked the media and the public for their patience and understanding during the period of tension. It emphasised that its members remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in managing Ghana’s air navigation systems.
The association assured Ghanaians and aviation stakeholders that it will continue to work closely with the GCAA to ensure the smooth and safe operation of Ghana’s airspace while working towards a lasting resolution of all outstanding matters.
The association had earlier this week declared its intention to embark on an indefinite strike over long-standing grievances with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The group, made up of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), is responsible for maintaining Ghana’s radar, navigation, and communication systems.
It had accused the GCAA of more than 15 years of unfair treatment, poor working conditions, and neglect of staff welfare. In its earlier statement, the association cited unresolved issues over salaries, job placements, and human resource management, including a demand for the removal of the Director of Human Resources.
The strike, if it had gone ahead, was expected to cause major disruptions to both domestic and international flights.
The association apologised to passengers and airline operators for the inconvenience but maintained that the action had become necessary to seek fairness and improved conditions of service.
