Government, GACL roll out Aviation Security Week to strengthen airport safety

The government of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has officially launched Aviation Security Week alongside the rollout of GACL’s Security Culture Programme, aimed at strengthening aviation safety and countering emerging global threats.

The initiative, being held under the theme “Promoting a Strong and Dynamic Security Culture,” is the first of its kind in Ghana’s aviation industry and marks a major step in aligning the country’s security framework with international standards.

Speaking at the ceremony in Accra on February 9, 2026, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe described the programme as a milestone moment for Ghana’s aviation sector, noting that security culture must now be embedded into everyday operations across the industry.

“In essence, security culture refers to the systematic integration of security into everyday operations, establishing it as a core principle for all members of the aviation industry,” the sector minister said.

Joseph Nikpe recalled that in 2019, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) declared the year as Security Culture Year, a programme that was later disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"With global aviation authorities resuming security culture initiatives, Ghana, as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, could not afford to lag behind," he recounted.

The minister continued, “As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, Ghana cannot afford to fall behind. This is why we have gathered today to launch this vital initiative.”

Touching on the historical and evolving nature of aviation threats, the sector minister referenced the first recorded aircraft hijacking in 1931 in Peru, noting that aviation has since become a major target for terrorist activity.

“Since that time, the aviation industry has witnessed numerous terrorist hijackings globally, and we are yet to see the end of these attacks,” he noted.

He added that landmark incidents such as the 9/11 attacks and other security breaches have demonstrated how aviation threats can devastate nations, economies, and communities far beyond airports and airlines.

“If we were to measure the damage these attacks have caused, it is clear that nations, particularly those in the aviation sector, are the hardest hit,” Joseph Nikpe said.

According to him, the Aviation Security Week and Security Culture Programme are designed to raise awareness and galvanise collective action among all stakeholders, including airport operators, regulators, security agencies, service providers, and the travelling public.

“We must all work together to fortify our aviation system and ensure that security operations are robust, effective, and aligned with international standards,” he stressed.

The minister commended aviation security personnel and stakeholders operating at Ghana’s airports for their dedication, while emphasising that security remains a shared responsibility.

“Aviation security is a shared responsibility. This is why the slogan ‘See it, Say it, Secure it’ is so powerful,” he said.

Joseph Nikpe reaffirmed government's commitment to introducing advanced security technologies and modern equipment to enhance both security and passenger facilitation at the country’s airports.

“These innovations will be critical in ensuring that we stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain the highest safety and security standards,” the sector minister noted.

“Let us all join hands to strengthen our security culture and make Ghana a leading example in aviation safety and security,” he concluded.

MA

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