A Ghanaian industrialist and economist, Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, has called on government and regulators to resolve the ongoing dispute involving McDan Aviation, warning that prolonged tensions could undermine confidence among Ghanaian investors and the private sector.

Speaking on JoyNews Desk on Tuesday, March 17, Mr Akpeloo addressed concerns about the McDan–Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) standoff and how it could affect local industries and investor confidence.

“Our view is that whilst we support every regulatory activity and government step to ensure that all of us in the private sector adhere strictly to regulatory requirements, it is always important to protect and promote private investors and private businesses in the country,” he said.

The escalating legal and operational battle between McDan Aviation and GACL has drawn attention from business and civic groups. The Coalition of GaDangme Pressure Groups recently described the row as a litmus test for the protection of local businesses.

In a press conference held in Accra, the coalition warned that the forceful termination of McDan’s licence at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) private jet terminal sends a chilling signal to both local and international investors, raising concerns about Ghana’s commitment to supporting indigenous entrepreneurship.

Mr Akpeloo noted that although private aviation is not new globally, McDan Aviation represents the first time an indigenous Ghanaian investor has operated a private terminal in the country.

He added that in other countries, governments, regulators, and the private sector often come together to support citizens who pioneer new business ventures, ensuring they can grow, recover investments, and create employment opportunities.

Mr Akpeloo also warned that abrupt regulatory actions that disrupt operations could discourage investment, especially at a time when Ghana is promoting a 24-hour economy and attracting more investors.

“We cannot be seen killing a mosquito with a hammer. We can’t be seen to be too hard on our own,” he stated.

He called on the President to intervene to restore confidence in Ghanaian businesses.

“I really want the President himself to come in because the few times we’ve met him, he assured us that he will do everything in his power to promote private business and ensure that Ghanaians lead the way to create jobs and do business,” he said.

The dispute, if unresolved, is widely seen as a test of Ghana’s ability to protect indigenous investors and encourage long-term private-sector growth, with implications for both local industries and foreign investment in the country.

Background

The dispute centres on a high-stakes standoff over the private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport (Terminal 1). Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) recently terminated McDan Aviation’s 10-year licence and forcibly evicted the company, citing a "fundamental breach" of contract due to nearly $4 million in unpaid fees and royalties.

In a dramatic escalation on March 12, 2026, GACL officials seized the terminal in the early hours of the morning, removing McDan’s equipment. McDan has condemned the move as a "hostile takeover", arguing that the eviction was illegal because they had already filed an interlocutory injunction to stop such actions. While McDan admits to previous arrears, they claim all debts have since been cleared.

This clash has sparked significant public debate, with some viewing it as a necessary enforcement of state contracts and others, including traditional leaders, criticising it as an attack on indigenous businesses. The situation is currently tied up in the High Court, where McDan is seeking to overturn the termination and regain control of the facility.