The Asafoatsemei and Asafoanyemei Group under the Ga Traditional Council is urging the government to step in and resolve the growing tensions between McDan Aviation and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), following the termination of the company’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services at Terminal One of the Kotoka International Airport.
Addressing a press conference, the group said the decision to halt McDan Aviation’s operations—linked to claims of outstanding debt—must be reviewed. They insisted the debt allegation remains contested by the company and should not be treated as final.
Their concern, they explained, stems from the direct impact on Ga communities. According to the group, McDan employs about 300 Ga indigenes nationwide, while nearly 500 others rely on monthly stipends from the company’s founder for their welfare. For them, the matter goes beyond corporate disagreements and touches on livelihoods.
They also used the platform to highlight what they described as years of neglect of traditional authorities within Accra and Tema. They argued that despite hosting major public and private developments, the GaDangme people receive little economic benefit from companies operating on their lands.
The leaders defended McDan Aviation’s role in revitalising Terminal One, saying the company invested to revive a facility that had been dormant. Instead of a shutdown, they called for negotiations or possible renegotiation, as is common in financial disputes elsewhere.
Nii Adjetey, a senior member of the group, questioned why dismissal was the first response to alleged indebtedness.
“Why is dismissal of McDan the only resort because of its indebtedness,” he asked, “when Ghana, in contrast, is allowed to renegotiate rather than be dismissed from IMF or Bretton Woods membership?”
He argued that the analogy underscores the need for Jubilee House to intervene, recalling that President Akufo-Addo’s administration stepped in during a similar standoff about three years ago. He added that McDan Aviation has “faced these threats of dismissal too frequently.”
The group further warned that the treatment of McDan could send the wrong message to local investors, especially at a time of increasing competition around Terminal One. They urged the state to adopt a fair and balanced approach that protects both national assets and indigenous businesses.
They concluded with a call for unity and reaffirmed their commitment to defending the interests of the Ga people, insisting that any resolution must be equitable and mindful of the communities that host the nation’s key infrastructure.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com