The Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Reverend Stephen Wilfred Arthur, has announced that Ghana is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
According to him, this commitment aligns with global climate goals and the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Speaking at the ACT-SAF Feasibility Study Delivery Event in Accra on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Reverend Arthur said harmonising Ghana’s aviation standards with ICAO will be critical to building a greener and more resilient aviation sector.
“This workshop marks the transition from the delivery of the feasibility study into the critical stage of the business implementation study in Ghana. Today represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards a greener and more resilient aviation sector,” he said.
“Indeed, by 2050, we are aiming for zero carbon emissions. As a contracting state, Ghana must align itself with global commitments while safeguarding the integrity of our aviation system,” he added.
He stressed that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is not merely an innovation but a regulatory imperative, given ICAO’s ambitious targets for carbon reduction.
Transitioning from feasibility to implementation, Arthur explained, requires robust frameworks, including regulatory pathways for sustainable aviation tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and integration into existing fuel supply chains.
He emphasised that SAF development must be pursued responsibly, without compromising food security, biodiversity, or rural livelihoods.
To achieve this, the GCAA will collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and industry stakeholders to craft policies that encourage investment while protecting public interest.
Arthur also urged stakeholders to transform feasibility studies into concrete action, ensuring Ghana’s aviation sector remains compliant, competitive, and environmentally responsible. Net zero emissions refer to balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, typically through carbon capture, reforestation, or sustainable energy use.
The aviation industry, which accounts for roughly 2-3% of global carbon emissions, faces unique challenges due to its reliance on fossil-based jet fuel. Globally, ICAO has set targets for carbon-neutral growth and long-term reductions, encouraging member states to adopt sustainable aviation fuels, improve operational efficiency, and invest in new technologies.
Countries such as the UK, France, and Canada have already outlined pathways to decarbonise aviation, and Ghana’s commitment places it among nations taking proactive steps to align with international climate goals.
Achieving net zero by 2050 will require innovations in sustainable aviation fuels, advancements in aircraft design and propulsion, and strong policy frameworks to incentivize investment and ensure compliance.
