Cultural display lights up GCAA’s 40th anniversary celebration
Staff of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) last Thursday turned a section of the Accra International Airport (AIA) into a colourful cultural village as part of activities marking the authority’s 40th anniversary celebration.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and national pride as they elegantly dressed in vibrant Ghanaian traditional attire — colourful smocks, beautifully designed slit and kaba outfits with matching headgears, native hats and other vintage regalia, displaying the rich traditions of their respective regions.
Amid the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and cheers from spectators, the staff took turns to display their cultural dances, culinary heritage, captivating historical narrations, indigenous dialects and exhibitions, as they highlighted the achievements and uniqueness of their regions.
The event was attended by the Paramount Chief of the Komenda Traditional Area, Okatakyi Komeh VIII; the Director-General of GCAA, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, and the Board Chair of GCAA, Ing. Simon Allotey, among other dignitaries.
Significance
Rev. Arthur explained that the celebration symbolised the unity and harmony that bonded staff together as one institution and one nation.
He said despite the country’s many ethnic groups, languages and traditions, citizens continued to live and work together peacefully, reflecting the true beauty of diversity.
“Today’s activities are more than just entertainment.
They are a reminder that our heritage matters and that our differences should strengthen rather than divide us,” he said
Rev. Arthur urged staff to learn from one another’s culture and use diversity as a tool for innovation, creativity and stronger collaboration within the institution.
He said the authority would continue to promote inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence among employees irrespective of their ethnic, religious or cultural differences.
Tolerance
For his part, Okatakyi Komeh VIII called for cultural tolerance and mutual respect among ethnic groups in the country.
He said that the country’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength and unity rather than division.
The chief further urged citizens to take pride in speaking and preserving their indigenous languages, adding that local dialects remained important part of the nation’s identity, history and cultural heritage.
Okatakyi Komeh VIII also advised the staff and management of the authority to work diligently and uphold values that would leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
He added that institutions thrive when built on integrity, unity and commitment to excellence.
