The ongoing internal conflict at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken a troubling turn, with senior official Eric Nartey Yeboah—popularly known as “Chairman Dollar”—being implicated in a calculated smear campaign against top management, particularly the Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare.
Multiple credible sources within GACL and associated security circles confirm that a recent wave of hostile and misleading media reports targeting the company’s leadership is allegedly being orchestrated by Mr. Yeboah.
The campaign, according to insiders, is not merely an expression of personal discontent but a strategic attempt to destabilize the company’s executive management following disciplinary actions taken against him in 2024.
Mr. Yeboah, a former high-ranking officer within the company, was captured on surveillance footage engaging in unauthorized activity within the terminal premises during a period when he was officially off duty. Coincidentally, this breach occurred on the same day a traveler—later intercepted in Brussels for narcotics trafficking—passed through the terminal.
Disciplinary Action and Fallout
In line with GACL’s internal protocols, Mr. Yeboah was promptly interdicted while a committee of inquiry conducted a formal investigation. Despite the severity of the circumstances, the committee’s findings resulted in only a final written warning being placed on his employment record—an outcome many within the institution viewed as lenient.
According to highly placed sources, this incident marked the beginning of what has now evolved into an aggressive and deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting GACL’s leadership. Mr. Yeboah is alleged to have leaked fabricated stories alleging the existence of a “cocaine cartel” within GACL.
These unsubstantiated allegations were then circulated to select Members of Parliament, particularly from the Minority side, in an effort to manufacture political pressure against the company’s management.
Security and Political Ramifications
Airport security experts have expressed grave concern over the possible implications of these false reports. “Falsely suggesting that narcotics are moving through our airport under the watch of management has serious diplomatic and aviation security consequences,” a senior official with knowledge of international aviation compliance standards stated.
Meanwhile, internal documents reveal that GACL’s management responded to the controversy by reassigning Mr. Yeboah to the Upper West Regional Airport in Wa—an administrative decision deemed necessary to preserve institutional order and operational efficiency. However, Mr. Yeboah has failed to report to his new station. Instead, he has reportedly taken up residence at the Airport Clinic, claiming a sudden onset of hypertension—claims which medical insiders say only surfaced after he was informed of his transfer.
The Hospital Base of Operations
Despite being medically unfit for duty on paper, Mr. Yeboah is said to be actively coordinating his campaign from within the hospital. Sources close to the matter confirmed that he maintains consistent communication with media personnel, supplying them with purportedly damaging—though unverifiable—content aimed at the company’s leadership.
Partisan Tensions and Professional Backlash
Investigations also suggest that political motivations are at play. Mr. Yeboah, known for his affiliations with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reportedly opposed recent promotions within GACL involving professionals perceived to be aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to senior staff, these promotions were based on merit and professional performance, yet Mr. Yeboah’s resistance appears to be rooted in political bias rather than concerns over competency.
“This politicisation of a public institution undermines the meritocratic standards that our aviation sector so desperately needs,” said one senior HR officer within GACL, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Management Remains Focused
In the face of these disruptive efforts, the current executive team, led by MD Yvonne Opare and her deputy, continues to steer the organisation forward. Insiders commend the leadership for refusing to be distracted by what they describe as “manufactured chaos,” instead prioritising the core mission of maintaining high standards in safety, efficiency, and international compliance.
Next Steps
Given the ongoing defiance, GACL is reportedly exploring stronger administrative options to address what appears to be a pattern of insubordination and institutional sabotage. Senior stakeholders within Ghana’s aviation and transport sectors are also calling for swift intervention to restore calm and focus within GACL.
“This is not just an internal HR issue—it’s a matter of national interest,” noted a member of Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority. “We must protect the integrity of our international gateways.”
As the situation unfolds, industry watchers and the travelling public alike await decisive action that will reinforce professionalism and insulate one of Ghana’s most vital infrastructure institutions from partisan and personal agendas.
