Ghanaian business magnate Dr Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has reaffirmed his commitment to strategic investments around Kotoka International Airport despite a recent court decision awarding the disputed land to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
On May 6, the High Court in Accra ruled in favour of GACL, granting the state agency full possession of more than 16 acres of prime airport land.
The property, situated near the Kotoka International Airport, had been under the control of McDan Shipping Company and Airport Logistics Limited, subsidiaries of the McDan Group.
GACL initiated legal action, citing violations of lease agreements and unpaid ground rent amounting to $26,296. The court upheld the claims and authorized GACL to repossess the land.
In response, the McDan Group has filed for a stay of execution and announced plans to appeal the ruling.
The company insists it has acted responsibly and in good faith throughout its nearly two-decade occupancy of the land.
According to the group, significant investments have been made to secure and improve the area, including the construction of warehouses and the provision of private security patrols for over 12 years to deter encroachment.
These efforts, McDan argues, reflect a long-term vision to develop the space into a logistics and trade hub.
“That the Defendants/Respondents/Respondents are advised and verily believe same to be true that the Honourable Court was duty bound to determine whether there was a legal basis for a relief against forfeiture as provided under Section 58 of the Land Act 2020, Act 1036.
“That there exist special circumstances warranting the grant of a stay of execution of the Judgment of the Honourable Court.
“That the Honourable Court granted an order for recovery of possession, and if the Judgment is not stayed irreparable damage will be caused to the Defendants/Appellants/Applicants as their appeal would be rendered nugatory.
“That the Defendants/Appellants/Applicants have developed the disputed land and a refusal of the instant application would mean losing all their investments and property on the lands in dispute,” part of the court papers said.
McDan maintains that his engagement with traditional allodial landowners from La, Teshie, and Nungua was intended to foster trust and inclusion.
According to him, he chose to work directly with these communities rather than seek a title through the Lands Commission, a move he says was guided by cultural respect and a community-first approach.
Supporters of the McDan Group believe the legal decision risks undermining years of developmental work and community support.
They argue that McDan’s presence in the area has generated employment and enhanced economic activity.
The company has emphasized that it will exhaust all legal avenues to protect its investments and uphold its legacy as a pioneer in transforming the airport enclave.
AM/KA
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