Rev. Stephen Arthur Named Acting Director of Ghana Civil Aviation

KEY POINTS

• Rev. Arthur brings over 30 years of aviation experience.
• He plans to enhance safety, infrastructure, and regulatory standards.
• His leadership supports Ghana’s aviation growth and global position.

President John Mahama has appointed Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur as the Acting Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, entrusting him with the leadership of Ghana’s vital aviation regulatory body. Arthur, a seasoned aviation professional with more than three decades of experience, steps into the role with a focus on innovation, safety, and strategic development.

With a career in aviation that spans business development, economic regulation, and strategic planning, Rev. Arthur is expected to steer Ghana’s aviation sector toward enhanced global competitiveness.

Most recently, he served as the Director of Economic Regulation and Business Development at the GCAA from January 2019 to March 2025, where he spearheaded major policy and regulatory initiatives to improve air transport efficiency and compliance.

Visionary goals for Ghana’s aviation future

As Acting Director General, Rev. Arthur has pledged to uphold the government’s vision for a robust, secure, and forward-looking aviation industry. He plans to expand the scope of innovation in air travel, ensure compliance with global aviation standards, and build an enabling environment for investment in aviation infrastructure.

Among his stated goals are the promotion of safety, the enhancement of operational excellence, and the creation of a more competitive aviation environment. He will also focus on advancing Ghana’s strategic partnerships with global aviation organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the African Civil Aviation Commission.

Rev. Arthur chairs the Steering Committee for the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems project, which aims to enhance security and streamline passenger movement in Ghana. He is also a key figure in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a major step toward liberalizing African airspace.

Long-standing service and global representation

According to MyJoyOnline, Rev. Arthur’s career with the GCAA spans nearly 30 years, during which he has held several senior positions. He served as Manager of Business Development and Statistics, where he carried out economic audits of airlines and helped shape business models and regulatory frameworks. He has also worked in the finance and planning departments, managing budgets, performing investment analyses, and contributing to policy formation.

Internationally, he has represented Ghana at various ICAO conferences and Bilateral Air Services Agreement negotiations. His involvement with high-level aviation policy bodies has helped solidify Ghana’s voice in global aviation discourse.

Rev. Arthur holds an Executive MBA from the University of Bradford and a Bachelor of Science in administration from the University of Ghana.

He has completed professional aviation training at the Singapore Aviation Academy and IATA, and is a fellow of the Global Association of Certified Chartered Economists.

Outside of his aviation career, he is the founder of Kingdom Family International, a Christian ministry. His diverse background reflects a unique blend of regulatory acumen and visionary leadership, positioning him well to lead Ghana’s aviation sector through its next phase of transformation.