New GCAA Board pledges to restore Ghana’s aviation leadership in Africa

The newly constituted Governing Board of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has pledged to restore Ghana’s position as a leader in Africa’s aviation industry, in line with President John Mahama’s vision for the sector.

At a staff durbar held at GCAA headquarters at Kotoka International Airport on Friday, July 18, 2025, Board Chairman Ing. Simon Molai Allotey, a former Director-General of the Authority, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting safety, security, innovation, and operational excellence in civil aviation.

The durbar served as a platform to officially introduce the nine-member board to GCAA staff. In his address, Allotey expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, for the confidence reposed in the Board.

“We will live up to expectations,” he stated, acknowledging the hard work of the Authority’s staff. He also congratulated Theophilus Ago on his appointment as Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical), pledging the Board’s full support.

The new Board includes:

• Ing. Simon Molai Allotey – Chairman

• Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur – Acting Director-General, GCAA

• Group Capt. Fiifi Adu Boadu – Ghana Airforce

• Capt. Nathaniel Kojo Anderson – Pilot

• Linda Assibi Awuni – Geological Engineer

• Madam Eunice Grant – Entrepreneur/Administrator

• Mabel Sagoe – Chief Director, Ministry of Transport

• Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni – MP, Salaga North

• Okatakyi Komeh VIII – Paramount Chief, Komenda Traditional Area

Highlighting past achievements, Allotey recalled that under his leadership, GCAA achieved a nearly 90% score in the ICAO USOAP audit, the highest in Africa at the time.

“Today, Ghana ranks fourth behind Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and South Africa. We must reclaim our position as champions of Africa,” he said.

To achieve this, the Board plans to focus on enhanced revenue generation, resource optimisation, and support for government initiatives, including the establishment of a national airline and a flight training academy at Ho Airport.

Allotey assured staff that their welfare, training, and professional development remain priorities.

“A well-motivated workforce is essential to achieving our goals. Let us walk forward with professionalism, humility, and integrity,” he said.

Acting Director-General Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur, in his remarks, reiterated his leadership philosophy of “No Staff Left Behind,” adapted from ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.

“This is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment that every role matters in our journey,” he said.

Rev Arthur pledged inclusive and transparent leadership, promising that all staff will benefit from opportunities in training, promotions, and career advancement. He also called for discipline, punctuality, and productivity across the Authority.

“An organisation only flies as high as its people feel valued,” he said.

Following the staff engagement, the new Board toured GCAA facilities to familiarise themselves with ongoing operations.

The Board is expected to play a central role in steering the Authority toward regaining its leadership status in Africa’s aviation sector while enhancing internal performance and governance.