The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that the National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) to immediately call off its intended strike action, declaring it illegal under Ghana’s labour laws.
The directive was issued at a meeting held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, involving the NLC, the GCAA and GhATSEA.
“At the meeting, the Commission ruled that GhATSEA lacks the legal capacity to declare or institute a strike, as it is an association and not a registered union recognized to negotiate or undertake industrial action”, the GCAA disclosed in a statement.
GhATSEA had earlier announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Thursday, January 15, 2026, citing salary discrepancies and demanding the removal of the Director of Human Resources of the GCAA.
However, following the announcement, the GCAA petitioned the National Labour Commission to intervene in the matter. 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 issues raised by the Association fall within the scope of a Collective Agreement, which GhATSEA lacks the legal capacity to negotiate or enforce.
It emphasised that such matters should have been pursued through the recognised union, which is a party to the Collective Agreement.
According to the Commission, the association also lacks the capacity to appear before the NLC and, consequently, has no legal right to declare a strike.
The NLC directed individual members who feel adversely affected to channel their grievances through the procedures outlined in the applicable Collective Agreement. It added that once the issues are properly brought to the attention of GCAA management, they should be addressed expeditiously.
Meanwhile, the Authority says it remains committed to human capacity development and the promotion of staff welfare.
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