GACL: Oboubia squatting as deputy MD, position not in company’s organisation chart

Tensions are rising at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). The newly announced Deputy Managing Director (DMD) position is held by Obuobia Darko-Opoku. However, this role is not part of the company’s approved structure.

Sources at GACL say the position does not officially exist. This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of Darko-Opoku's appointment. Insiders allege that Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare created the role without board approval. They claim this move aims to retain influence despite a government change.

Ms. Opare supported the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its 2024 candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. She reportedly wants to consolidate her position under the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration. Ahead of the 2024 elections, she held a closed-door meeting at African Regency Hotel. This meeting aimed to rally staff support for the NPP candidate.

The meeting allegedly included Sammy Awuku, now MP for Akuapem North. Insiders described it as a covert campaign strategy session.

This controversy over the Deputy MD role is not new for GACL. Under the previous NPP administration, Yaw Kwakwa was appointed to this position despite union resistance. At that time, he was already a manager at GACL.

Union leaders opposed Kwakwa's appointment but have remained silent this time around. Sources suggest their silence stems from recent promotions they received to acting managerial roles without a governing board.

Concerns deepen as reports indicate that Ms. Opare violated a travel ban imposed by the government. She approved overseas training for some union members in Germany as an incentive for their support regarding Darko-Opoku's appointment.

This situation has sparked calls for a formal investigation into these actions. Observers warn that politicization and disregard for due process could harm governance and morale at GACL.

It remains unclear if the Ministry of Transport or incoming GACL board will address these issues soon. Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. John Okwesie Arthur and others are accused of creating unnecessary tension at GACL due to their stance on preserving institutional memory.