The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed that the National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the intended strike by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) illegal.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the GCAA said the directive followed a meeting held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, involving representatives of the NLC, the GCAA, and GhATSEA.
According to the GCAA, the NLC ruled that GhATSEA lacks the legal capacity to declare or embark on a strike, explaining that the association is not a registered union recognised under Ghana’s labour laws to negotiate conditions of service or undertake industrial action.
GhATSEA had earlier announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Thursday, January 15, 2026, citing salary disparities among staff and calling for the removal of the Director of Human Resources at the GCAA.
Following the strike announcement, the GCAA petitioned the National Labour Commission to intervene.
At the meeting, the NLC stated that the intended strike action contravenes Regulation 20(e) and (h) of the Labour Regulations, L.I. 1833. The Commission further noted that the grievances raised by GhATSEA fall within the scope of an existing Collective Agreement, which GhATSEA does not have the legal authority to negotiate or enforce.
The Commission stressed that such matters should be pursued through the recognised union that is a party to the Collective Agreement.
Additionally, the NLC ruled that GhATSEA lacks the legal standing to appear before the Commission and, therefore, has no lawful right to declare a strike.
The Commission directed individual members who feel aggrieved to channel their concerns through the grievance procedures outlined in the applicable Collective Agreement. It further urged GCAA management to address any properly submitted grievances promptly.
The GCAA reaffirmed its commitment to human capacity development and the promotion of staff welfare across the Authority.
