ICAO Delivers ACT-SAF Feasibility Study Results to GCAA as Ghana Advances Toward Greener Skies

ICAO Delivers ACT-SAF Feasibility Study Results to GCAA as Ghana Advances Toward Greener Skies

Accra, 24 February 2026 — Ghana has taken a major step toward a cleaner, more resilient aviation future following the formal handover of the ACT-SAF Feasibility Study by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The ceremony, held at the GCAA’s new headquarters at the Accra International Airport, also marked the opening of a two-day Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Business Implementation Study Workshop.

The event signals Ghana’s transition from research to action in developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a transformative solution capable of reducing aviation lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel.

Delivering the keynote address, GCAA Director-General Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur described the workshop as a critical platform for advancing ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme.

He emphasised that the initiative moves Ghana from feasibility into the “critical stage of business implementation,” underscoring the country’s commitment to building a greener aviation sector while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

“Today represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards a greener and more resilient aviation sector,” Rev. Arthur said. “Sustainable aviation fuel is not merely an innovation — it is a regulatory imperative.”

As a contracting State of ICAO, Ghana is aligning with the organisation’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050.

Rev. Arthur noted that this transition requires robust regulatory frameworks for SAF certification, quality assurance, and integration into existing fuel supply chains.

Rev. Wilfred Arthur stressed that SAF development must be pursued responsibly, without compromising food security, biodiversity, or rural livelihoods.

He highlighted the Authority’s collaboration with key national stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy and Green Transition, to craft policies that attract investment while protecting public interests.

“Our role is to provide an enabling environment through regulation, oversight, and international collaboration that ensures SAF adoption is safe, sustainable, and credible,” he said.

The workshop brings together government agencies, industry leaders, academia, and international partners to develop regulatory mechanisms that meet ICAO standards and position Ghana as a continental leader in sustainable aviation.

ICAO Reaffirms Support for Ghana

Joining the ceremony virtually from Montreal, ICAO’s Chief of Environmental Standards, Dr. Neil Dickson, expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for its commitment to the ACT-SAF programme.

He noted that ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity-Building initiative supports all 193 member States in achieving the sector’s long-term decarbonisation goals.

“ICAO is committed to ensuring that no country is left behind as aviation transitions to net-zero emissions by 2050,” Dr. Dickson said.

He added that the feasibility study, launched in May 2025, confirms Ghana’s strong potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel in line with global standards and provides clear recommendations to maintain momentum toward implementation.

Ghana’s efforts align with ICAO’s 2026–2050 strategic plan, which identifies environmental sustainability — including decarbonisation, SAF development, and noise mitigation — as the most transformative challenge facing global aviation.

The ACT-SAF programme supporting Ghana is funded by the UK Department for Transport, with technical contributions from international consultants and experts.

Looking Ahead

With the feasibility phase completed, Ghana now enters the decisive stage of building a viable SAF industry, one that promises economic opportunities, energy diversification, and environmental benefits.

Rev. Arthur concluded with a call to collective action: “Let us seize this opportunity to transform feasibility into action, ensuring that Ghana’s aviation industry remains compliant, competitive, and environmentally responsible. Together, we can chart a course toward greater heights and a sustainable future for aviation.”

As the workshop continues, stakeholders will refine practical pathways for production, regulation, investment, and deployment, bringing Ghana closer to becoming a hub for sustainable aviation fuel in Africa and a model for climate-responsible air transport.

Other attendees included ICAO’s Didier Moulakan and Consultant Damiana Serafini as well as the UK Department for Transport (DfT) Consultant Team; and ICF consultant Yasar Yaser Yetiskins and Mark Penshorn.