Ghana Airport Company reclaims land from McDan after court win
Court hands full land rights back to GACL
The Ghana Airport Company has officially reclaimed 16.29 acres of prime airport land from subsidiaries of the McDan Group. This follows a resounding High Court judgment in favour of the state agency.
The ruling, delivered on May 6, 2025, granted GACL full re-entry and possession of two key parcels of land near Kotoka International Airport. The properties—measuring 10.63 acres and 5.66 acres—sit across from Action Chapel International, a highly valuable zone in Accra’s airport enclave.
Lease breaches spark legal showdown
The court’s ruling followed a suit filed by GACL in February 2025. The suit cited persistent lease violations and defaulted rent by McDan Shipping Company and Airport Logistics Limited, both subsidiaries of the McDan Group.
The GACL claimed $26,296 in unpaid ground rent, along with a request for a perpetual injunction against further interference.
The court found the McDan entities had no valid defence, granting GACL summary judgment and all reliefs requested. In addition, the judge awarded GH¢50,000 in legal costs to the Airport Company.
Victory hailed as major recovery of state assets
In a statement following the court’s decision, GACL described the win as a significant recovery of state property. The company praised its Legal Department and Managing Director, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, for their leadership and persistence.
“The repossession of these lands not only safeguards millions of dollars’ worth of state assets, but also reinforces our commitment to lawful public asset management,” GACL stated.
This ruling strengthens GACL’s mission to ensure that public property is used responsibly and protected under the law.
More legal battles loom?
Though the court sided decisively with the Ghana Airport Company, McDan Group has reportedly appealed the ruling. A source close to the company confirmed that legal proceedings are ongoing.
This case is not McDan’s first clash with GACL. In December 2024, operations by McDan Aviation at Terminal 1 of Kotoka Airport were suspended over unpaid debts. While that matter was resolved, the land dispute persisted until the court’s final intervention.
Land, law, and accountability
This case sets a powerful precedent. It reminds both private firms and the public that state property is not up for grabs, and leaseholders must honour their obligations.
By reclaiming land through legal channels, GACL has signaled that accountability, not privilege, drives public property decisions.
