A public notice issued by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) concerning disputed lands on the Spintex Road has triggered debate among legal experts and corporate governance observers over public commentary on matters pending before the courts.
The notice, titled “Buyer Beware,” cautioned the public against engaging in transactions involving portions of land said to be under litigation between GACL and companies associated with the McDan Group.
In the publication, GACL referenced a High Court judgment and stated that the matter remained before the Court of Appeal following an appeal filed by the McDan Group.
However, the notice has attracted criticism from some legal analysts who argue that public commentary on unresolved court matters risks creating prejudicial perceptions and undermining confidence in the judicial process.
In a response to the publication, the McDan Group maintained that the case remains sub judice and called on all parties to exercise restraint while the appeal is pending before the courts.
The company described the publication as an attempt to damage its corporate reputation and that of its Executive Chairman, Daniel McKorley.
According to legal observers, principles governing pending litigation generally require litigants and public institutions to avoid statements capable of influencing public opinion or prejudicing judicial proceedings.
Some analysts noted that although GACL may have intended to protect prospective land buyers, the wording of the publication could be interpreted as presenting unresolved legal issues as conclusively determined.
Legal practitioners also pointed out that once an appeal has been filed, the dispute remains active until a final determination is made by the appellate court.
Corporate communication experts have further warned that public disputes between major state institutions and indigenous businesses could have broader economic and reputational consequences.
They stressed the need for balanced communication in ongoing legal disputes to avoid perceptions of institutional intimidation or attempts to shape public opinion outside the courtroom.
The McDan Group reiterated its commitment to due process and expressed confidence in Ghana’s judicial system, stating that it would await the final outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.
The controversy has generated widespread discussion across traditional and social media platforms, with many calling for caution in how state institutions communicate on unresolved legal disputes involving private entities.
Observers say the eventual judicial ruling, rather than competing public narratives, will determine the rights and obligations of the parties involved.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
