The GaDangme Council of Asafoiatsemei and Asafoianyemei has publicly defended MacDan Aviation Limited following a decision by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to terminate the company’s services at Terminal One of the Kotoka International Airport.
At a press briefing addressed by Asafoatse Mankatta, the council expressed concern over what it described as an unfair move by GACL, which cited alleged indebtedness as the basis for disengaging MacDan.
According to the council, those claims have been disputed by MacDan Aviation, raising questions about the justification for the decision.
The group emphasized its strong ties to the company, noting that hundreds of its members are employed by MacDan across the country. Additionally, it stated that many others benefit indirectly through financial support provided by the company’s leadership, making the issue one of significant economic impact for the GaDangme community.
Leaders of the council also highlighted broader concerns about economic marginalization, particularly within traditional Ga communities in areas such as Tema.
They argued that local authorities and traditional institutions lack sufficient financial support, partly due to weak enforcement of ground rent payments by businesses operating on their lands.
Drawing a comparison to Ghana’s own handling of national debt, the council questioned why MacDan faces dismissal rather than an opportunity to renegotiate its obligations.
They called on government authorities, including Jubilee House, to intervene and ensure a fair resolution.
The statement further praised MacDan’s role in revitalizing Terminal One, which it said had previously been underutilized before the company’s involvement in 2016.
The council described the transformation as a success story that has attracted interest from other business operators.
However, the council also suggested that underlying social and ethnic dynamics may be influencing the situation, pointing to perceived disadvantages faced by minority groups within Ghana’s political and economic landscape.
In conclusion, the GaDangme Council called for fairness, inclusivity, and dialogue in resolving the dispute.
It also announced plans to engage traditional leaders and stakeholders to address what it termed “selective injustice” and to safeguard the livelihoods of its members.
The press conference ended with a message of unity and a renewed call for equitable treatment across all sectors of national life.