Ghana has taken a significant step toward a cleaner and more resilient aviation future following the formal handover of the ACT-SAF Feasibility Study by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The feasibility study, launched in May 2025, confirmed Ghana’s strong potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel in line with global standards and provides recommendations intended to maintain momentum toward implementation.
This marks a potential transition for Ghana from research to practical implementation in the development of sustainable aviation fuel. This transition will require the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks covering SAF certification, quality assurance, and integration into existing aviation fuel supply chains. Development of the sector is expected to proceed responsibly, ensuring that SAF production does not compromise food security, biodiversity, or rural livelihoods.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is working with key national stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy and Green Transition, to develop policy frameworks that will attract investment while protecting public interests. The Authority’s role is to provide an enabling environment through regulation, oversight, and international collaboration to ensure that SAF adoption is safe, sustainable, and credible.
As a contracting State of ICAO, Ghana is aligning with the organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050. The ACT-SAF programme supporting Ghana is funded by the UK Department for Transport, with technical contributions from international consultants and experts.
ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building and Training initiative supports all 193 Member States in advancing the aviation sector’s long-term decarbonisation objectives and aims to ensure that no country is left behind as global aviation transitions to net-zero emissions.
With the feasibility phase completed, Ghana now enters the next stage of developing a viable, sustainable aviation fuel industry that could deliver economic opportunities, support energy diversification, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
