GACL strikes McDan again, provides details of $4m arrears

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has provided a detailed breakdown of the significant debt owed by McDan Aviation, which prompted the closure of its private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Unpaid Debt Breakdown

The debt, which exceeds $3 million, comprises land leases, terminal fees, and rental charges accumulated over time. Despite repeated notices and a December 25 deadline for settlement, the amount remains largely unpaid.

In response, McDan Aviation contested the debt figures, arguing that $2 million of the reported debt pertains to a disputed land acquisition currently under litigation.

However, GACL provided a comprehensive breakdown of McDan Aviation’s outstanding obligations, which total $3,995,622.66 and GHS 13,523.37 as part of efforts to round up its regular debt collection exercise for the year.

The GACL also explained that the said land under litigation has been developed by McDan.

Terminal 1 Rent and Fees: $640,232.48
Block Factory, Spintex Road (5.66 acres): $1,160,827.23
Airport Logistics Building, Spintex Road (10.63 acres): $2,168,266.75
Courier Enclave (0.59 acres): $8,140
Cargo Village Offices: $18,156.20 (GHS 13,523.37)

“Additionally, McDan is required to pay GACL a 15% share of the gross revenue as monthly revenue returns covering the period September 1, 2022, to November 30, 2024, which is also outstanding.

“For the record, McDan Company Limited paid two million Ghana cedis (GHS2,000,000) on Friday, December 24, 2024, out of the outstanding three million nine hundred and ninety-five, six hundred and twenty-two US dollars, sixty-six cents ($3, 995,622.66) and thirteen thousand five hundred and twenty-three cedis thirty-seven pesewas (GHS13,523.37) owed GACL.

“It is also worthy to note that while McDan intimates that some of the lands acquired from Ghana Airports Company Limited as far back as 2015 are under litigation and therefore is requesting GACL to hold on with the collection of payments, McDan Company Limited has developed same lands with commercial buildings situated on it and benefiting from rental proceeds on the built properties without paying ground rent to GACL.

“Prior suggested payment plans from McDan Company Limited which was presented as far back as 2020 defaulted, therefore it is our position to demand full payment of monies owed.

Meanwhile, four other companies operating at the Kotoka International Airport have also been closed for non-payment of debt to GACL.