The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GHATSEA) has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in an escalating labour dispute at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), alleging that management has adopted measures that are creating fear and uncertainty among workers.
The association claims that relations between management and employees have deteriorated following a series of incidents involving workers and union leaders, including the alleged involvement of National Security personnel in a workplace matter.
In an open letter to President Mahama dated September 1, 2026, GHATSEA alleged that GCAA Director-General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, arrived at the workplace at about 11:30 p.m. accompanied by National Security personnel while some employees were on duty.
The association described the alleged involvement of National Security in what it considers a labour-related matter as inappropriate and called on the President to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
GHATSEA said it had previously brought the matter to the attention of the Presidency in a letter dated February 3, 2026, but claimed it had not received a response.
“The details surrounding what we consider to be the unlawful involvement of National Security in a labour-related issue were comprehensively outlined in a letter addressed to your office dated 3rd February 2026,” the association said.
### Dispute over workers’ concerns
According to GHATSEA, the incident forms part of broader concerns about the management of labour relations at the GCAA.
The association alleged that the Director-General had used intimidation, coercion and victimisation against some members and leaders who raised concerns over working conditions.
It said such actions, if allowed to continue, could weaken trust between management and employees and negatively affect staff morale and productivity.
GHATSEA therefore urged the Presidency to examine the allegations independently and ensure that any disputes between management and workers are handled through established labour and industrial relations mechanisms.
### Union leader interdicted
The association also drew attention to the interdiction of its President, Engr. David Annan Mensah, who it said had been interdicted since March 3, 2026.
According to GHATSEA, the interdiction followed allegations that its president had threatened industrial action.
The association, however, described the decision as unjust and disproportionate, arguing that the issues raised by its leadership concerned legitimate workplace grievances.
GHATSEA said the continued interdiction had further heightened tensions among members and called for the matter to be reviewed.
The association maintained that its objective was not to undermine the GCAA but to ensure that employees could raise legitimate concerns without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
It consequently appealed to President Mahama to investigate the allegations, facilitate dialogue between management and workers and ensure that the rights of aviation sector employees are protected under Ghana’s labour laws.
GHATSEA said a resolution of the dispute was necessary to restore confidence, improve labour relations and maintain a stable working environment within the GCAA.
