GACL Pushes ‘See It, Say It, Secure It’ as Ghana Deepens Aviation Security Culture

Ghana has taken a decisive step to strengthen aviation safety and protect its airports as strategic national assets with the launch of the maiden Aviation Security Culture Week by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

The week-long initiative, themed “Promoting a Strong and Dynamic Security Culture,” was launched on Monday, February 9, 2026, at The Palms by Eagles, Airport City, and aligns Ghana’s aviation security framework with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Security as a Daily Mindset, Not a Procedure

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the initiative goes beyond compliance to embed security into the everyday conduct of all players within the aviation ecosystem.

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

She explained that GACL has adopted the guiding philosophy “Breathe Security, Eat Security, Drink Security, Sleep Security (BEDS),” describing it as a way of life rather than a slogan.

‘See It, Say It, Secure It’ and Shared Responsibility

Mrs. Opare stressed that aviation security cannot be left to security officers alone, pointing to the programme’s tagline “See it, Say it, Secure it” as a reminder that vigilance is the responsibility of everyone working in and around Ghana’s airports.

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

Evolving Threats Demand Constant Vigilance

The GACL Managing Director warned that the aviation security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with threats ranging from improvised weapons and explosives to sophisticated concealment and manipulation techniques aided by technology.

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

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

ICAO Audit Success Signals Strong Foundations

Mrs. Opare commended the Aviation Security Department for Ghana’s strong showing during the ICAO Aviation Security Audit in February 2024, describing the outcome as evidence of professionalism and commitment 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 Cannot Afford to Fall Behind

In his address, the Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the Aviation Security Week as the first of its kind in Ghana and a timely intervention at a period of heightened global security risks.

“As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, Ghana cannot afford to fall behind,” the Minister said, noting that the post-COVID revival of ICAO’s security culture programme underscores the urgency of strengthening aviation security systems worldwide.

Lessons from History: Aviation as a Terrorism Target

Mr. Nikpe traced the evolution of aviation security threats from the first recorded hijacking in 1931 to more recent incidents such as the September 11 attacks, where aircraft were used as weapons.

He said the consequences of such attacks extend beyond airlines and airports, affecting regulators, manufacturers, border agencies and national economies.

“Nations with active aviation sectors are often the hardest hit,” he noted.

Government, Industry and Public Must Act Together

The Transport Minister stressed that the success of the security culture initiative depends on collective 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.

Advanced Technology to Strengthen Airport Security

Looking ahead, Mr. Nikpe disclosed government plans to introduce advanced security technologies and equipment at Ghana’s airports to improve both safety and passenger facilitation, ensuring the country stays ahead of emerging threats.

Call to Action as Security Week Opens

He officially declared the Aviation Security Week and the launch of GACL’s Security Culture Programme open, urging stakeholders to fully 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.