By Perdita Agyarko
The Coalition of GaDangme Pressure Groups has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing legal and operational tussle between McDan Aviation and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), describing the situation as a litmus test for investor confidence in Ghana.
In a press statement released on Saturday, the Coalition argued that the dispute transcends a mere contractual disagreement, suggesting it reflects a broader, more “troubling” trend of institutional resistance against successful indigenous enterprises.
From Deterioration to Development
The Coalition highlighted that McDan Aviation’s entry into the sector saved a deteriorating national asset. Following the migration of operations to Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), the old facility had been left abandoned.
“With an investment running into several millions of dollars, McDan Aviation transformed a decaying structure into Ghana’s first private Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal,” the statement noted. The group emphasized that this initiative was pivotal in positioning Ghana as a regional hub for international executive travel and business aviation.
Disputed Arrears and Legal Concerns
Addressing the core of the friction—alleged non-payment of fees—the Coalition clarified that while there was a delay in 2025 rent payments, reports indicate all arrears have since been cleared.
Despite this, the GACL moved to terminate the license agreement. Most concerning to the Coalition are reports that McDan’s equipment was removed from the premises shortly after a court injunction had reportedly been served on the airport authority.While the courts will ultimately determine the legal merits, the broader national issue remains clear: Ghana must remain a country where private investment—especially from indigenous entrepreneurs—is protected and encouraged,” the statement read.
The Coalition expressed worry that if high-stakes investors feel vulnerable in their own country, it sends a chilling signal to the wider business community. They pointed to a growing public perception that Ghanaian success is often met with institutional pushback once it reaches a certain scale.
“Today it may be McDan Aviation. Tomorrow it could be another Ghanaian entrepreneur who has dared to invest heavily in the future of this country,” the group warned, citing the popular Twi sentiment, “Ghanafuo mpɛ adepa, ɛyɛ asɛm oo” (Ghanaians don’t appreciate good things, it’s a problem).
Call for Government Intervention
The GaDangme Coalition is calling on the highest levels of government to intervene and ensure:
• Fairness and Transparency: A resolution handled with respect for due process.
• Investor Reassurance: Tangible steps to prove that indigenous contributions to national development are safe from arbitrary institutional action.
• Economic Stability: Protection of the jobs and international business traffic generated by the FBO terminal.
The statement concluded with a call for calm and justice, reiterating that safeguarding McDan’s investment is about protecting the confidence of every Ghanaian willing to build the nation.
