The closure of McDan Aviation’s private jet terminal at Kotoka International Airport due to a $3 million debt has sparked concerns regarding potential economic and reputational repercussions. The CEO of McDan Aviation has cautioned that this situation could significantly impact Ghana’s image as a tourist destination and the wider network of associated businesses.
In an interview on Monday, December 30, 2024, the CEO articulated the extensive ramifications of the terminal’s closure, emphasizing the financial and reputational harm it could inflict on various stakeholders.
He pointed out that the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), which receives royalties from the terminal’s operations, is also likely to face financial setbacks.
Furthermore, the CEO raised alarms about how this closure could hinder government initiatives aimed at establishing Ghana as a leading tourism destination in the region.
“The issue extends beyond our company. It will influence our business operations and tarnish our reputation, but it also affects numerous vendors who rely on us. Suppliers, cleaning services, and catering providers are all impacted.
“There is a cascading effect, and the airport company itself is also affected. Ghana Airports Company is entitled to royalties based on the revenues generated from the terminal. Therefore, the longer we remain closed, the more they lose financially. However, the implications are not solely financial; they also carry reputational consequences for the nation.
“Consider the scenario where a traveler arrives at a private terminal only to learn through the news that it has been shut down. What impression would that leave about the country? This situation reflects the broader issue we are facing. The reputational damage extends beyond our company; it affects an entire ecosystem of individuals.
“Moreover, it has repercussions for the country’s status as a tourism hub. The government has invested considerable effort into positioning Ghana as the preferred destination for tourists, and this situation threatens to undermine those efforts,” he remarked.
