Ghana’s aviation regulator is set to complete the construction of a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower at Kotoka International Airport by the end of 2026, a key infrastructure project aimed at boosting safety and efficiency in the country’s airspace.
The new facility, described as ultra-modern and technologically advanced, will replace the current tower, which has long exceeded its operational lifespan. It is expected to significantly enhance air traffic management capabilities within the Accra Flight Information Region, which spans several countries in the Gulf of Guinea sub-region.
Stephen W. Arthur, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said at the Authority’s 39th anniversary celebration in Accra that the project remains on track for completion by 2026.
“The current tower has served us well, but it has outlived its usefulness,” Mr. Arthur said. “The new control tower will rival any in the world in terms of design and functionality.”
Beyond infrastructure, Arthur reaffirmed the GCAA’s broader commitment to supporting the President’s vision of transforming Ghana into a sub-regional aviation hub.
“GCAA will play its role in supporting the agenda of His Excellency, the President of the Government of Ghana,” he said.
He listed core priorities such as the establishment of a national airline, promotion of human capacity development in aviation, and the implementation of advanced systems to modernize operations.
Among the initiatives mentioned were plans to build a pilot and crew training school at the Ho Airport, support for Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Tamale, and the establishment of both Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records systems. GCAA also plans to roll out a Consumer Complaints Portal and continue enhancing safety and security standards across Ghana’s aviation sector.
Rev. Arthur disclosed that air traffic personnel and engineers are already transitioning into the newly completed Air Navigation Services building—a separate but critical component of the Authority’s modernization agenda.
“This also involves equipment testing and connectivity to the existing air traffic control centre and tower to enhance reliability of safe air navigation services,” he said.
The GCAA is also gearing up for future ICAO audits under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA), with a focus on capacity-building and system readiness.
“We are continuously building capacity of our human capital and preparing to do better in any anticipated ICAO USAOP-CMA audit,” Rev. Arthur noted, adding that Ghana continues to assist sister countries in the sub-region, reinforcing its status as a “Champion State” in aviation oversight across Africa.
The control tower project is part of a broader modernization and institutional reform drive, which also includes the planned separation of GCAA’s regulatory functions from air navigation services. An internal committee overseeing the decoupling process is expected to soon submit its report to the Ministry of Transport.
“This structural realignment reflects our commitment to specialization, efficiency, and global standards,” Rev. Arthur said, in reference to the proposed creation of an independent Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP).
Over the past four decades, the GCAA has played a central role in shaping the aviation landscape in West Africa. Originally established in 1930, the Authority gained legal status in 1986 under PNDC Law 151. It has since grown into one of Africa’s most respected civil aviation institutions, recognized for its regulatory rigour and operational integrity.
Rev. Arthur also touched on internal reforms, saying the Authority is promoting staff discipline and morale through improved performance management, professional development, and a refreshed recognition program.
“Every member of our team must feel empowered and valued,” he said. “Our internal theme of ‘No Staff Left Behind’ speaks to this commitment.”
The event brought together top industry stakeholders including officials from the Ghana Airports Company Ltd., Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, and retired aviation professionals.
Ghana’s aviation sector has seen steady growth over the past decade, with rising passenger volumes, new route development, and increasing regional connectivity. Authorities are banking on infrastructure upgrades like the new control tower to sustain this momentum—and solidify Accra’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
