The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GHATSEA) has declared an industrial action effective Thursday October 30, 2025. According to the association the move follows what they term “the prolonged mishandling of our legitimate grievances by the management of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
“We wish to emphasize that our patience has completely run out. Effective 30th October 2025, GHATSEA will commence an indefinite industrial action in accordance with Section 160 of the Labor Act, 2003 (Act 651) until all outstanding matters are satisfactorily resolved. This action, though regrettable, is the direct consequence of management’s neglect and lack of good faith engagement.” the group declared in a statement.
“Our patience has been stretched beyond measure, and the silence and inaction on issues that directly affect the morale, motivation, and welfare of key technical professionals, the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), have left us deeply disgruntled, demoralized, and feeling neglected and disrespected”.
In the statement, GHATSEA decried numerous petitions and engagements for their grievances to be addressed unsuccessfully.
“For years GHATSEA has peacefully petitioned and engaged GCAA Management on longstanding matters relating to unfair salary administration, inequitable job placement, and unresolved welfare challenges that have persisted for over fifteen (15) years. Sadly, these concerns have been consistently mishandled, with the Director of Human Resource, Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe, at the centre of the mismanagement that has eroded confidence in that office.”
“Our numerous appeals for fair treatment and structural correction have fallen on deaf ears, leaving ATSEPs across all regional airports feeling betrayed and unappreciated for their critical role in maintaining aviation safety.” the statement added.
The association also expressed worry over what they term “regimental and brazen posture adopted by the Ag. Director-General, Rev. Stephen Arthur, and the Ag. Deputy Director-General (Technical), Mr. Theophilus Ago” in response to the requests for redress. According to the group the duo has “shockingly conveyed a “Do your worse” stance”.
The further accused management of exhibiting insensitivity in their dealings. GhATSEA has therefore demanded the removal of Director of Human Resource, Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe from office and a comprehensive review and and resolution of all outstanding issues that have lingered for far too long. The integrity of the Human Resource office must be restored to preserve industrial harmony and ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the aviation system.
“This level of insensitivity towards a body of highly skilled professionals whose daily work underpins the safety and reliability of Ghana’s airspace is both unacceptable and intolerable. It clearly demonstrates GhATSEA, The Backbone of Air Traffic Safety the contempt and disregard with which ATSEPs are being treated, and further underscores
the urgent need for a reset in management’s approach to labor relations and staff welfare.
We therefore demand the immediate removal of Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe from his position” The workers demanded.
Find below the statement from the association:
To: Press Release
INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY GHANA AIR TRAFFIC SAFETY ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION
(GhATSEA)
The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GHATSEA) wishes to, with the utmost
respect yet deep frustration, draw public attention to the prolonged mishandling of our
legitimate grievances by the management of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Our patience has been stretched beyond measure, and the silence and inaction on issues that directly affect the morale, motivation, and welfare of key technical professionals, the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), have left us deeply disgruntled, demoralized, and feeling neglected and disrespected.
For years, GHATSEA has peacefully petitioned and engaged GCAA Management on longstanding matters relating to unfair salary administration, inequitable job placement, and unresolved welfare challenges that have persisted for over fifteen (15) years. Sadly, these concerns have been consistently mishandled, with the Director of Human Resource, Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe, at the centre of the mismanagement that has eroded confidence in that office.
Our numerous appeals for fair treatment and structural correction have fallen on deaf ears,
leaving ATSEPs across all regional airports feeling betrayed and unappreciated for their
critical role in maintaining aviation safety.
What is more worrying and deeply troubling is the regimental and brazen posture adopted
by the Ag. Director-General, Rev. Stephen Arthur, and the Ag. Deputy Director-General
(Technical), Mr. Theophilus Ago, who, in response to the Association’s genuine requests for
redress, have shockingly conveyed a “Do your worse” stance. This level of insensitivity
towards a body of highly skilled professionals whose daily work underpins the safety and
reliability of Ghana’s airspace is both unacceptable and intolerable. It clearly demonstrates
GhATSEA, The Backbone of Air Traffic Safety
the contempt and disregard with which ATSEPs are being treated, and further underscores
the urgent need for a reset in management’s approach to labor relations and staff welfare.
We therefore demand the immediate removal of Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe from his position and a comprehensive review and resolution of all outstanding issues that have lingered for far too long. The integrity of the Human Resource office must be restored to preserve industrial harmony and ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the aviation system.
We wish to emphasize that our patience has completely run out. Effective 30th October 2025, GHATSEA will commence an indefinite industrial action in accordance with Section 160 of the Labor Act, 2003 (Act 651) until all outstanding matters are satisfactorily resolved. This action, though regrettable, is the direct consequence of management’s neglect and lack of good faith engagement.
We sincerely apologize to all local and international airline operators, passengers, and the
travelling public for any inconvenience this may cause. However, the responsibility for any
disruptions must be placed squarely on those who have ignored the legitimate cries of the
technical professionals who ensure the continuous safety and reliability of Ghana’s air
navigation systems.
We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians, the media, and relevant authorities to stand with us
in demanding justice, accountability, and respect for the rights of technical personnel who
form the backbone of the nation’s air traf:ic safety infrastructure.
Attached is a copy of the modalities for the industrial action scheduled to begin on 30th
October 2025.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Respectfully submitted,
Engr. David Annan Mensah
President, GhATSEA
cc: All Media Outlets
GhATSEA, The Backbone of Air Traffic Safety
The Ghana Air Traf,ic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) will be withdrawing its
services on 30th October, 2025. This means the Availability, Accuracy, Serviceability,
Reliability, and Integrity of Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS/ATM)
systems and services which provide the backbone of air traffic safety cannot be
guaranteed rendering all airports, unsafe for local and international airlines to be
cleared to take off and land.
