The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has officially launched activities to commemorate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of safeguarding Ghana’s skies and advancing the nation’s aviation sector.
The launch ceremony was held at the Authority’s headquarters at Kotoka International Airport on 16 February 2026, bringing together government officials, industry stakeholders, airlines, the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, security representatives, the Board, management, staff and development partners.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, delivering the keynote address, commended the GCAA for its professionalism, operational excellence and governance, noting that aviation has remained one of the most stable sectors under his ministry. He described the Authority as one of Ghana’s most accomplished state institutions, previously adjudged the best state-owned enterprise and ranked among the country’s top public institutions.
The Minister reiterated government recognition of aviation as a driver of national development, highlighting legislative reforms such as the separation of airport operations from regulation, as well as sustained investment in air navigation systems, surveillance technology, training facilities and air traffic management infrastructure. He said these measures support Ghana’s ambition to position itself as the aviation hub of West Africa.
He also outlined ongoing capacity expansion initiatives, including upgrades to regional airports, enhanced security systems, and developments at Kotoka International Airport, such as a new air traffic control tower and a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving a national airline and renaming the airport to Accra International Airport.
Board Chairman Ing. Simon Allotey described the Authority’s four-decade journey as one built on continuity and teamwork, citing the 2006 decoupling of airport operations from regulation as a key milestone. He referenced Ghana’s strong ICAO safety audit performance and representation on international aviation bodies, as well as the recent commissioning of a modern Air Navigation Services Complex and an Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record centre.
Director-General Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur reaffirmed the Authority’s ambition to become a world-class regulator and air navigation service provider. He paid tribute to former Directors-General and acknowledged the role of airlines, partners and retirees in shaping the industry. He pledged continued investment in staff development and called for innovation and regulatory excellence to address evolving aviation challenges.
The anniversary programme will include media outreach, corporate social responsibility initiatives, exhibitions, school open days, an inter-agency health walk and a major conference examining the sector’s progress and future prospects. Celebrations will conclude with a formal dinner at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.
