Traditional priests and priestesses of the GaDangbe State have marched to the Jubilee House to petition President John Dramani Mahama over the revocation of McDan Aviation’s licence at Terminal 1 of the Kotoka International Airport.
The dispute stems from McDan Aviation’s eviction from Terminal 1, the withdrawal of its Fixed Base Operator licence, and the repossession of land following clashes with GACL. The state-owned airports company claims McDan Aviation owes over US$3.99 million and GH¢13,000 in unpaid fees dating back to 2020. In May 2025, an Accra High Court awarded GACL possession of 16 acres of land occupied by McDan subsidiaries, citing breaches of lease agreements.
McDan Aviation has since sued GACL over the termination of its licence, while GACL has secured a perpetual injunction against further interference by the company.
Indigenous investment must be protected
In the petition, the traditional priests and priestesses expressed deep concern that the matter, which they described as appearing contractual on the surface, has far-reaching implications for investor confidence, indigenous participation in strategic sectors, and the perception of fairness in economic governance.
They noted that following the transition of major airport operations to Terminal 3, the facility at Terminal 1 had fallen into disuse and disrepair before McDan Aviation invested substantial financial resources to transform it into a modern private jet terminal – the first of its kind in Ghana.
“This intervention did not only restore value to an otherwise abandoned national asset but also positioned Ghana as a competitive hub for business aviation within the sub-region. Such an initiative aligns squarely with national aspirations for economic growth, industrialisation, and international competitiveness,” the petition read.
The custodians highlighted Mr McKorley’s contributions to the GaDangbe land and Ghana at large, noting that he is a true son of the land.
“Through employment creation, philanthropy, and sustained investment, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the indigenous and the broader Ghanaian society,” the petition stated.
Warning against political coloration
The priests and priestesses expressed concern that matters of national development are increasingly being subjected to political coloration, warning that such perceptions could erode public confidence and discourage indigenous entrepreneurs.
“Ghana must remain a nation where success is protected, not questioned; where initiative is encouraged, not impeded; and where those who commit their resources to national development are assured of institutional support rather than uncertainty,” they said.
The petition further warned that the handling of the issue risks sending an unintended but troubling signal to the business community that investments, even when substantial and transformative, may not be secure.
The traditional custodians called on President Mahama to cause an independent and transparent review of the circumstances leading to the revocation, ensure adherence to natural justice and due process, and take steps to protect indigenous Ghanaian investments.
“We humbly petition Your Excellency to: cause an independent and transparent review of the circumstances leading to the revocation of McDan’s aviation licence at Terminal 1; ensure that all actions taken in respect of the matter strictly adhere to the principles of natural justice, fairness, and due process; take such steps as may be necessary to protect indigenous Ghanaian investments, particularly those that contribute significantly to national development; reassure the Ghanaian business community that their investments are secured and that Ghana remains a safe and supportive environment for enterprise,” the petition stated.
“In failure to hear our voice and listening to the voice of the land, we will hand over to the spirits of the land,” they said.
Petition received
Dr Samuel Ayeh from the Presidency received the petition and assured the group that their concerns would be tabled.
The petition was copied to the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House and the Minister for Transport.
The priests and priestesses concluded with a prayer: “May wisdom guide your leadership. God bless our homeland Ghana and continue to make our nation greater and stronger.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh