The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has officially launched activities to mark its 40th Anniversary celebrations, with a renewed commitment to aviation safety, security and regulatory excellence.
The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who launched the celebrations, described the occasion as a significant milestone in Ghana’s aviation history. He noted that the growth of the Authority had been strengthened by key legislative reforms, including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2004 (Act 678), and the Consolidated Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2024 (Act 1120), which have enhanced regulatory oversight and aligned Ghana’s aviation sector with international standards.
“Today’s event formally signals the beginning of a historic journey, one that will culminate in May 2026, when we celebrate four decades of dedicated service to aviation safety, regulatory excellence, and national development,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Ghana into an aviation hub in the West African sub-region, adding that investments in air navigation systems, surveillance infrastructure and training facilities were part of efforts to ensure safe and efficient operations within Ghana’s airspace.
“The government’s commitment to aviation development has also been demonstrated through sustained investment in modern aviation infrastructure and facilities. These include the commissioning of operational, administrative and training facilities, advanced air navigation and surveillance systems, and air traffic management infrastructure designed to support safe, secure, and efficient operations within Ghana’s airspace”, he added.
Hon. Nikpe stated that the government was committed to enhancing aviation security and data integration, as is evident in the Air Navigation Service Complex commissioning by His Excellency the President last year. The complex, he noted, houses the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems.
The Minister highlighted the remarkable progress made by the GCAA, noting the Authority was one of the most accomplished public institutions in the country. “In 2023, GCAA was adjudged the Best State-Owned Enterprise in Ghana at the Public Enterprises League Table (PELT) Awards, ranking first among over sixty state-owned enterprises, and placing second overall among all public sector entities. This recognition underscores strong governance, operational efficiency, and financial discipline,” he said.
Hon. Nikpe stated that the launch was not merely ceremonial, but marked the beginning of months of reflection, engagement, and celebration, honouring the pioneers who laid the foundation, recognising the professionals who sustain the system today, and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders.
He encouraged all staff of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to actively participate, support, and rally behind the activities planned for the anniversary and commended the Board, Management, past and present staff of the Authority for their unwavering dedication and service. He said their commitment over the past forty years had laid the strong foundation for the future of Ghana’s aviation sector.
The Minister pledged the Ministry’s support in working together with the GCAA to make the 40th Anniversary celebrations a meaningful and memorable one and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s aviation ecosystem. He noted that he was confident the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority would continue to play its critical role in ensuring that all aviation developments met the highest standards of safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
The Director-General of the GCAA, Rev. Wilfred Arthur, said the Authority remained committed to maintaining safety and security standards in the aviation sector. He said they remained firmly committed to safety and security to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s aviation sector. Rev. Arthur mentioned that the focus of the Authority has always been to ensure that every aircraft that enters or leaves Ghana’s airspace does so under the highest standards of regulatory oversight.
Board Chairman of GCAA, Ing. Simon Allotey, traced the history of aviation in Ghana and stressed the significant progress made over the years. He also indicated that in 2020, GCAA achieved one of the highest aviation safety oversight scores in Africa under the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s audit program, placing Ghana among the top-performing aviation regulators on the continent.
Activities lined up for the anniversary celebrations include media engagements to promote the work of the Authority, corporate social responsibility programs, in-house departmental activities, a health walk and games, and a conference to bring together industry players to reflect on the Authority’s 40-year journey. The celebrations will climax on 16th May, 2026 with an awards and dinner night.
The event brought together Board Members, Management and staff of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, stakeholders and representatives from the aviation industry.
