The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GHATSEA) has accused the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, of using National Security personnel to intimidate workers during a late-night visit to their workplace.

In an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama dated September 1, 2026, the association alleged that National Security personnel accompanied the GCAA Director-General to the workplace at about 11:30 p.m. while some members of the association were on duty.

GHATSEA described the alleged involvement of National Security in the matter as unlawful, arguing that the issue was essentially a labour-related dispute that should be handled through the appropriate industrial relations mechanisms.

The association has therefore appealed to President Mahama to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and take steps to ensure that workers’ rights are protected.

Earlier complaint

GHATSEA said the latest development followed an earlier complaint it submitted to the Presidency in February 2026 concerning what it described as the inappropriate involvement of National Security in a labour dispute.

“The details surrounding what we consider to be the unlawful involvement of National Security in a labour-related issue were comprehensively outlined in a letter addressed to your office dated 3rd February 2026,” the association said.

According to the association, it has not received a response to that earlier correspondence.

GHATSEA said the absence of a response had contributed to growing anxiety among workers and alleged that the GCAA management had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the workplace.

The association further accused management of resorting to intimidation, coercion and victimisation against members and leaders who had raised concerns about their working conditions.

Industrial relations concerns

GHATSEA maintained that the concerns raised by its members constituted legitimate workplace grievances and should be addressed through dialogue and established labour relations procedures rather than intimidation.

It warned that the alleged conduct was damaging relations between management and workers and could ultimately affect staff morale, productivity and the smooth functioning of the organisation.

The association said the use of security personnel in what it considers a labour-related matter was particularly troubling because it could create fear among employees and undermine confidence in established mechanisms for resolving workplace disputes.

GHATSEA is therefore calling for presidential intervention to ensure that disputes between the GCAA management and workers are handled within the framework of Ghana’s labour laws.

President on interdiction

The association also drew attention to the case of its President, Engr. David Annan Mensah, who it said has been on interdiction since March 3, 2026.

According to GHATSEA, the interdiction was imposed allegedly over claims that its president had threatened industrial action.

The association described the sanction as unjust and disproportionate, insisting that the position taken by its leadership arose from concerns over workplace conditions and workers’ rights.

GHATSEA argued that raising concerns about employment conditions and advocating for members should not automatically be interpreted as misconduct, particularly where workers are seeking to address what they consider legitimate grievances.

The association called on the President to examine the circumstances surrounding the interdiction as part of a broader investigation into the relationship between GCAA management and the affected workers.

Call for presidential intervention

GHATSEA wants President Mahama to investigate the alleged late-night involvement of National Security personnel, the circumstances surrounding the interdiction of its president and the broader allegations of intimidation and victimisation.

It also wants the Presidency to ensure that the rights of workers are respected and that future disputes between management and employees are resolved through lawful and established labour mechanisms.

The association said restoring trust between management and workers was essential to maintaining a stable working environment and ensuring that employees could perform their duties without fear or undue pressure.

The allegations by GHATSEA have not been independently established, and the association’s claims concerning the conduct of the GCAA Director-General and the involvement of National Security remain allegations.

GHATSEA, however, insists that the issues warrant presidential attention and a formal investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

The association said it remained committed to protecting the interests of its members while seeking a resolution of the dispute within the framework of Ghana’s labour laws.