Private air charter service provider McDan Aviation has firmly denied reports alleging that it owes a $3 million debt to the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), a claim that purportedly resulted in the closure of its private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport.
The company clarified that a significant portion of this alleged debt, amounting to approximately $2 million, is related to a land purchase from GACL, which is currently embroiled in litigation.
In a detailed interview with Channel One News, McDan Group CEO Kweku Ampromfi addressed the situation, providing insights into the company’s financial dealings with GACL. He emphasized that while there are outstanding terminal charges, the total amount owed does not reach the reported $3 million figure. Ampromfi expressed optimism that GACL would soon reopen the private jet terminal for operations, reflecting a willingness to resolve the outstanding issues amicably.
“We do not owe $3 million at the terminal. There are three matters we have been discussing with the Ghana Airport Company. One is related to the tunnel, and another pertains to a piece of land we acquired from them near the Action Chapel area for which they demand grand rights,” Ampromfi explained.
The CEO highlighted that the majority of the supposed debt stems from the land acquisition, which is under legal dispute. “The bulk of what is supposedly owed to them is derived from that issue, but we have been in constant conversation with them. Although we acquired the land from Ghana Airport, it has come to light that a third party also claims rights to the same land, having obtained documentation through the Lands Commission. Therefore, it is currently under litigation,” he stated.
Ampromfi underscored that ongoing legal proceedings make it impractical for McDan Aviation to remit large sums of money while the case is unresolved. “We have communicated to the Ghana Airport Company several times, asking them to suspend any financial claims related to that land until we can settle the legal issues surrounding it. The land’s valuation stands at about $2 million,” he elaborated.
The situation escalated when GACL made the decision to close McDan Aviation’s private jet terminal due to the alleged unpaid debt exceeding $3 million. This debt reportedly includes land leases, rentals, and terminal charges that have accrued over time. Despite a stipulated Christmas deadline for payment, the debt remained unsettled, prompting GACL to take action.
This recent closure marks the second instance in which McDan Aviation’s private jet terminal has faced operational restrictions. In February 2022, GACL indefinitely barred the company from operating at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport due to operational breaches, a move that drew significant attention within the aviation sector.
McDan Aviation officially launched its private jet services on January 28, 2022, aiming to cater to a growing demand for luxury air travel in the region. Since its inception, the company has positioned itself as a key player in the private aviation market, offering a range of services designed to enhance the travel experience for its clientele. However, the recent financial and operational challenges have raised concerns about the company’s ability to maintain its service offerings and reputation.
The aviation industry, particularly in Ghana, has been experiencing a period of transformation, with increased competition and evolving customer expectations. McDan Aviation’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively will be crucial in determining its future success. The company has expressed its commitment to resolving the outstanding issues with GACL and ensuring the continuation of its private jet services, which are essential for both business and leisure travelers seeking convenient air travel options.
As McDan Aviation works towards a resolution, stakeholders in the aviation sector are closely monitoring the situation. The outcomes of the ongoing discussions between McDan Aviation and GACL will not only impact the company’s operations but also have broader implications for the private aviation landscape in Ghana.
Industry experts believe that the resolution of this dispute could set a precedent for other aviation service providers facing similar challenges in their dealings with regulatory bodies. Clear communication, transparency, and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue will be critical in fostering a collaborative environment within the sector.
Furthermore, the resolution of legal issues surrounding land ownership and operational compliance is vital for the overall health of the aviation industry in Ghana. Stakeholders are hopeful that a swift and amicable resolution can be reached, allowing McDan Aviation to resume full operations and contribute positively to the country’s economy.
In conclusion, McDan Aviation’s denial of the $3 million debt claims and its proactive approach to resolving the situation with the Ghana Airport Company Limited reflects the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As it navigates these challenges, McDan Aviation remains focused on its mission to provide exceptional private jet services and uphold its reputation within the aviation industry. The forthcoming discussions with GACL will be pivotal in determining the future of the private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport and the continued success of McDan Aviation in Ghana’s evolving aviation market.
