Clash of perspectives as Ghana weighs renaming Kotoka International Airport
Plans to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport have ignited a spirited national conversation, exposing fault lines between those who see the move as a symbolic correction of history and those who warn of costly consequences.
The proposal, announced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga on February 3, 2026, is intended to honour the indigenes of Accra whose land was used to build the country’s main international gateway. Yet the announcement has quickly drawn contrasting reactions from legal experts, political voices, and civil society.
Critics Warn of Costly Distraction
Legal scholar and governance advocate Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, widely known as Kwaku Azar, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics. He argues that the renaming exercise would drain resources without delivering measurable benefits.
“Renaming KIA now would incur significant administrative, financial, and symbolic costs without improving operational efficiency, safety, or economic growth,” he cautioned in a Facebook post.
Prof. Asare stressed that the airport’s current name is already embedded in international aviation systems, treaties, maps, and digital platforms. He warned that diverting funds and institutional focus toward symbolic changes could undermine urgent priorities such as passenger services, cargo handling, and aviation safety.
“Kotoka International Airport is already recognised globally. Stability and predictability are assets in aviation. Changing its name now risks confusion and unnecessary costs, with no measurable benefit to the country,” he added.
Supporters Frame It as Historical Redress
On the other side of the debate, government supporters and analysts insist the renaming is not political but rather a necessary act of historical correction.
Hamza Suhuyini, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, rejected claims of partisan motives. He described the continued use of “Kotoka” as a painful reminder of the 1966 coup that toppled Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
“This is not about political undertones. Apart from the need to rebrand the country, there is also the realisation that the 1966 coup caused this country significant harm. To continue having that name on our main gateway is a constant reminder of the havoc it caused,” Suhuyini said on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily.
He argued that adopting the name Accra International Airport would strengthen Ghana’s identity abroad. “If it is Accra International Airport, there is nothing wrong with it. We need an airport that reflects our national identity. If you are outside the country and someone mentions Accra International Airport, you do not struggle to locate it,” he explained.
A Question of National Values
Engineer and political analyst Michael Kosi Dedey also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a “correction of historical injustice.” He emphasised that continuing to associate the airport with Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kotoka, a central figure in the 1966 coup, risks sending the wrong message about Ghana’s stance on unconstitutional rule.
“Kotoka didn’t build the airport. He did not leave any infrastructure behind,” Dedey stated, calling the current name historically misleading. He urged that the renaming be accompanied by public education to ensure citizens understand both the original naming and the reasons for change.
“For me, it is a correction of historical injustice. The change of the name is appropriate, but we must ensure that the history of the country is not misinterpreted or lost. We need a dispassionate discussion so it is not seen as one party versus another,” he added.
Balancing Symbolism and Practicality
The debate over KIA’s future name highlights a broader tension in Ghana’s policymaking: whether symbolic gestures should take precedence over practical reforms. Supporters see the renaming as a chance to reclaim national identity and reject the legacy of coups. Critics, however, warn that the financial and logistical burden could outweigh any symbolic gain.
As the government moves forward with its plan, the issue has become more than a matter of branding. It is now a test of how Ghana balances history, identity, and economic pragmatism at one of its most visible national gateways.
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