GACL Drives ‘See It, Say It, Secure It’ Campaign as Ghana Strengthens Aviation Security Culture

 

Ghana has intensified efforts to safeguard its airports and reinforce confidence in its aviation industry with the launch of the maiden Aviation Security Culture Week by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), positioning airport security as a national priority rather than a routine obligation.

The week-long programme, themed “Promoting a Strong and Dynamic Security Culture,” was launched in Accra and forms part of Ghana’s renewed alignment with aviation security standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Security Must Become Instinctive — GACL MD

Addressing stakeholders at the launch, the Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the initiative seeks to embed security into everyday operations across the aviation ecosystem, moving beyond box-ticking compliance.

“At its core, security culture is about embedding security into our daily processes, procedures and practices until it becomes second nature,” she said.

She noted that GACL has adopted the philosophy “Breathe Security, Eat Security, Drink Security, Sleep Security (BEDS)”, describing it as a behavioural shift required of every worker within Ghana’s air transport system.

Shared Responsibility Beyond Uniformed Officers

Mrs. Opare stressed that aviation security cannot be the sole responsibility of security personnel, pointing to the programme’s slogan “See it, Say it, Secure it” as a call for vigilance by all airport users and workers.

She assured staff and stakeholders that GACL’s management remains fully committed to driving the Security Culture Programme across all airports under its management.

Rising and Sophisticated Threats Raise Stakes

The GACL Managing Director warned that the aviation security environment is evolving rapidly, with threats becoming more complex and technologically driven, including the concealment and manipulation of prohibited items.

“These realities demand heightened vigilance, continuous innovation and collective responsibility. We cannot afford complacency,” she said.

According to her, protecting Ghana’s airports is central to GACL’s broader vision of positioning the country as the preferred aviation hub and leading airport business in West Africa.

ICAO Audit Performance Underscores Progress

Mrs. Opare also commended the Aviation Security Department for Ghana’s strong performance during the ICAO Aviation Security Audit in February 2024, describing the results as evidence of professionalism and operational maturity within the sector.

“Our airports are national assets and must be protected at all times against acts of terrorism and unlawful interference,” she added.

Transport Minister: Ghana Must Keep Pace Globally

The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the Aviation Security Culture Week as the first of its kind in Ghana and a timely response to heightened global security risks.

“As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, Ghana cannot afford to fall behind,” he said, noting that the revival of ICAO’s security culture initiative after COVID-19 reflects the urgency of strengthening aviation security systems worldwide.

History Shows Aviation Remains a Terrorism Target

The Minister traced aviation security threats from the first recorded hijacking in 1931 to major attacks such as September 11, where aircraft were turned into weapons, with devastating consequences.

He said the impact of such attacks extends beyond airlines and airports, affecting regulators, manufacturers, border agencies and national economies, particularly in countries with active aviation sectors.

Collective Action Central to Security Culture

Mr. Nikpe stressed that the success of the security culture programme depends on coordinated action by airport operators, regulators, security agencies, service providers and the travelling public.

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

Technology to Boost Security and Facilitation

Looking ahead, the Minister said government plans to introduce advanced security technologies and equipment at Ghana’s airports to enhance both safety and passenger facilitation, ensuring the country remains ahead of emerging threats.

Stakeholders Urged to Deepen Commitment

Mr. Nikpe officially declared the Aviation Security Week and the launch of GACL’s Security Culture Programme open, urging stakeholders to actively participate in the week’s activities and commit to building a resilient aviation security culture.

“Together, we can make Ghana a leading example in aviation safety and security,” he said.