By: Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Mjority Leader, Mahama Ayariga has disclosed plans to revert Kotoka International Airport in Accra back to its original name, Accra International Airport, a move that would mark a significant change to one of Ghana’s most recognisable national landmarks.
He made the announcement on Tuesday, February 3, while addressing the media ahead of the first sitting of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament. According to the Majority Leader, the proposed change forms part of broader efforts to align the naming of public institutions with Ghana’s democratic values and national identity.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport,” Mr. Ayariga stated, adding that a bill would be laid before Parliament in accordance with established procedures. He stressed that the decision must be grounded in law and guided by the will of the people.
Mr. Ayariga further clarified that Ghana has more than one airport, explaining that the proposed renaming applies specifically to the international airport located in Accra.
The airport was originally a British Royal Air Force military base during World War II and was later handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, President Kwame Nkrumah launched a development project to convert it into a terminal, which was completed in 1958 as Accra International Airport, with a capacity of 500,000 passengers per year. In 1969, it was renamed Kotoka International Airport in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, who was killed during a failed coup at a location that is now the airport’s forecourt.
Given the historical significance of its current name, the proposal is expected to spark widespread public discussion, with Parliament playing a central role in reviewing and deliberating the matter once it is formally presented.
