New air traffic tower in 2026 — GCAA boss
THE new ultra-modern Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower currently under construction is on course and expected to be completed by 2026, the Director-General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has disclosed.
The new tower, he said, would be equipped with cutting-edge technology to match any modern ATC worldwide.
“Although the current tower has served us well, it has outlived its purpose,” he said at the authority’s 39th anniversary celebration in Accra.
The development, he said, underscores the GCAA’s commitment to embracing innovation and ensuring the highest standards of air traffic management.
He also revealed that significant progress had been made towards the separation of the regulatory functions from air navigation services management, with an internal committee set to submit its report to the Ministry of Transport soon.
He explained that the process would pave the way for the establishment of an Air Navigation Services Provider to take over air navigation services within the Accra Flight Information Region, which will allow the GCAA to focus specifically on its regulatory mandate.
39th anniversary
The event brought together stakeholders and retired staff of the authority to celebrate the milestone achieved since commencement.
It was climaxed with the presentation of long service awards to deserving staff members for their dedication and commitment to the authority.
Reflecting on the authority’s journey, Rev. Arthur recounted how the GCAA evolved from a unit within the Public Works Department established in 1930, to attaining departmental status in 1953, before being officially established as an authority on May 16, 1986, under PNDC Law 151.
He said over the past 39 years, the authority has diligently fulfilled its responsibilities of advising the government on aviation matters, establishing aerodromes, managing airport functions, overseeing air traffic management and regulating air transport services.
“Our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence has propelled Ghana's aviation sector to remarkable heights. It is no secret that aviation operations in Ghana have flourished over the years, becoming a vital catalyst for economic transformation,” he stated.
To address challenges of staff indiscipline and boost motivation, the director-general outlined several measures, including establishing clear expectations, applying disciplinary actions consistently, providing professional development opportunities, promoting a positive work environment, implementing employee recognition programmes and encouraging open communication.
Collaboration
The acting Commissioner, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), John Kunyan Wumborti, commended the GCAA for its collaboration and commitment to air safety.
“Our shared mandate is to ensure the protection of lives and the integrity of aviation systems and this continues to drive us toward innovation, transparency, and accountability.
Together, we are building a safer airspace and we will continue to uphold the trust of the flying public. On this occasion, let us recommit to the highest standards of safety, learning from the past and preparing diligently for the future,” he stated.
For her part, the Managing Director, the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, called for a stronger collaboration between the two companies to promote growth in the industry.