The Ghana Airports Company Limited has maitained its stance of not selling nor privatising the Kotoka International Airport.
This was in response to an interview granted by the former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on Woezor TV in which he made certain claims about Kotoka International Airport.
GACL in a press statement further indicated that the vision of Ghana the prefered Aviation hub and leader in Airport Business in west Africa remains a priority.
The following are GACL‘s comments on some statements made:
Former President: ‘An investment of almost US$600million was done in that airport, Kotoka International Airport (KIA)..’
GACL: The claim that an investment of US$600 million was made at Kotoka International Airport is incorrect. The amount may be in reference to funding of projects in all airports including US$130m Runway project at Tamale Airport and US$25m new airport in Ho.
Former President: ‘They talk about not being able to service the loans that were taken to develop the airport…’
GACL: The claim that GACL has been unable to service the syndicated loan facility is untrue. To date, GACL has met its repayment obligations under the loan facility. However, the force majeure clause. GACL at the onset of the COVlD-19 pandemic triggered the force majeure provision under the loan agreement and has been in discussion with its lenders to meet its obligations.
Additionally, Government, has under the COVID Relief Programme, extended relief support to GACL.
Former President: ‘If Kotoka is doing about 2 million passengers a year, then US$100 multiplied by 2million passengers is about US$200million..’
GACL: The APSC charges are applied on departing passengers only and not on total number of passengers. The revenues earned from APSC are far less than what is being alluded to.
Former President: ‘Government has put in a capping and realignment act. So out of the US$100, they cap it and if the money exceeds 25 percent of the national budget, all the excess money is put in the Consolidated fund..’
GACL: Revenues from GACL are neither capped nor realigned in accordance with Capping and Realignment Act. Monthly Reports on Airport Tax (APSC) are forwarded to Ghana Revenue Authority.
In conclusion, Management of GACL would like to assure the general public that Kotoka International Airport is NOT FOR SALE. The vision of making Ghana the Preferred Aviation Hub and Leader in Airport Business in West Africa remains a priority.
