Thursday, 05 February

Gov't settles on renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport

News
kotoka International Airport

The government has announced plans to rename Ghana’s principal international gateway, currently known as Kotoka International Airport, to Accra International Airport.

The decision was disclosed during a leadership press engagement held ahead of the reopening of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the renaming will be formalised through a bill to be presented to Parliament by the Minister for Transport once the legislative session begins.

Mr. Ayariga noted that the proposal follows long-standing advocacy by civil society groups and members of the public, who argue that the current name does not reflect Ghana’s democratic values.

Kotoka International Airport was named after General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 military coup that ousted Ghana’s first constitutional government.

According to the Majority Leader, the renaming initiative is part of a broader set of legislative priorities expected to be tabled when Parliament reconvenes.

The proposal is likely to spark public debate, with supporters saying the change aligns national symbols with Ghana’s democratic identity, while critics may raise concerns about historical recognition and transitional costs.

 

Parliament is expected to review the bill in the coming weeks

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang