Trending 
Ghana’s government has sparked a huge debate with its decision to revert Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport.
The decision, which marks the 60th anniversary of the coup that overthrew Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, has been met with controversy and mixed reactions.
Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, whose name the airport bore, played a central role in the 1966 military coup that ousted Nkrumah, who had been criticised for his increasingly authoritarian rule. Kotoka, a military officer, became a key figure in the regime that took over, which later renamed the airport in his honour in 1969.
However, the name change sparked divisiveness, with some viewing Kotoka as a liberator and others seeing his actions as a contradiction of Ghana’s democratic values. Kotoka was killed at the airport in 1967 during a failed counter-coup.
The Transport Ministry, led by Joseph Bukari Nikpe, explained that the decision to revert to Accra International Airport was made to project a neutral national image and better reflect the name of the capital city, Accra. This move is seen by many as an effort to distance Ghana from its coup-laden history and align with the country’s current democratic values.
However, critics, including Kotoka’s family, argue that the decision undermines his legacy and sacrifices. The removal of Kotoka’s name has especially caused discontent in his home region, the Volta Region. Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, expressed concerns that the move amounted to a betrayal of the region, as the naming of the airport after Kotoka had been one of the few national recognitions for the Volta Region.
In addition to the political ramifications, some citizens have questioned the government’s priorities. They have raised concerns about the costs of renaming the airport, given that issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and economic conditions remain pressing. Despite the criticism, the transport ministry has sought to reassure the public that the name change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel.
The controversy surrounding the name change has dominated social media discussions, with Ghanaians divided over its legal, social, and political implications. While some civil society groups back the change, arguing that it aligns with the country’s democratic values, others believe that it erases an important part of Ghana’s history.
