The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has triumphantly regained control of valuable airport lands from the McDan Group of Companies, following a pivotal court ruling in its favor.
On May 6, 2025, an Accra High Court delivered a judgment that allows GACL to re-enter and take possession of over 16 acres of land that were previously occupied by subsidiaries of the McDan Group. The parcels in question, approximately 10.63 acres and 5.66 acres in size, are situated adjacent to and opposite Action Chapel International, near Kotoka International Airport. These lands had been under the management of McDan Shipping Company and Airport Logistics Limited, both part of the McDan Group, since 2012.
In February 2025, GACL initiated legal action against the two companies, citing persistent violations of land lease agreements and unpaid ground rents. The company sought to recover $26,296 in accumulated ground rent for the use of the properties, along with a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants from interfering with the lands.
After a series of legal proceedings, GACL requested a summary judgment, arguing that the defendants lacked a valid defense. The court ruled in favor of GACL, granting all requested reliefs and ordering the defendants to pay GH¢50,000 in legal fees.
In December 2024, operations of McDan Aviation at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) were halted due to outstanding debts. Although those debts were subsequently settled, the land dispute persisted until this legal resolution.
Management at GACL has praised the court’s ruling as a significant victory in asset recovery. “The reclamation of these lands not only protects millions of dollars in state assets but also underscores our dedication to accountability and the lawful management of public property,” stated a company insider.
The successful legal outcome is attributed to the concerted efforts of GACL’s Legal Department and the leadership of Managing Director Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, who played a crucial role in the asset recovery initiative.
With this recent development, GACL is poised to explore new opportunities for the reclaimed lands, potentially focusing on aviation-related expansion or strategic partnerships, as part of its broader strategy to enhance airport infrastructure and boost revenue generation.
