McDan Aviation Denies $3 Million Debt to GACL, Clarifies Land Dispute

McDan Aviation has strongly refuted claims that it owes the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) a $3 million debt, which allegedly led to the closure of its private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport.

In a statement issued on Monday, McDan Aviation clarified that a significant portion of the reported debt — approximately $2 million — is related to a piece of land purchased from GACL, which is currently the subject of ongoing litigation.

Kweku Ampromfi, CEO of McDan Group, explained that the company had paid part of the outstanding terminal charges and was actively engaged in discussions with GACL to resolve the matter. He expressed optimism that the private jet terminal would soon be reopened.

“We do not owe $3 million at the terminal,” Ampromfi stated. “There are three issues we’ve been discussing with Ghana Airports Company. One involves the terminal, another concerns land we acquired near Action Chapel, for which GACL is seeking ground rent.”

He clarified that the bulk of the disputed amount stems from the land purchase, which is under legal dispute. “The land, valued at about $2 million, is in litigation. Although we bought it from GACL, a third party also claims ownership and has secured documentation through the Lands Commission. Until this matter is resolved in court, it doesn’t make business sense to make any payments,” Ampromfi added.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited had earlier closed the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to an unpaid debt exceeding $3 million. This included outstanding terminal charges, land leases, and rentals that had accumulated over time. Despite a deadline set for payment ahead of Christmas, the debt remained unresolved.

This closure marks the second time McDan Aviation’s terminal operations have been halted. The first occurred in February 2022, when GACL indefinitely suspended the company’s operations at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport due to operational breaches. McDan Aviation had launched its private jet services on January 28, 2022.

The company has maintained open communication with GACL and is hopeful for a swift resolution to the dispute, with plans to resume services once the legal matters are cleared.