Kotoka International Airport to be renamed Accra International Airport—Ghana’s Majority Leader
Ghana’s gateway to the world is poised for a significant rebrand. In a major announcement that is sure to spark national conversation, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has revealed government plans to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
The declaration came ahead of the first sitting of Parliament’s new session, positioning this change as more than just an administrative update. According to Ayariga, the move is part of a broader initiative to align the names of key public institutions with Ghana’s contemporary democratic values and national identity.
“The government intends to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport,” he stated, clarifying that a formal bill will be presented to Parliament to ensure the process follows constitutional and legal procedures. He emphasized that such significant decisions must be “grounded in law and guided by the will of the people.”
This proposed shift touches one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks. The airport is currently named after Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, but its official namesake is the late General Emmanuel K. Kotoka, a key figure in Ghana’s 1966 coup d’état. The “Kotoka” name has long been a topic of historical reflection, with some viewing it as a complex legacy from a more turbulent political era.
By adopting the geographically descriptive “Accra International Airport,” the government appears to be steering toward a neutral, location-based identifier—a common practice for major airports worldwide (think JFK in New York or Heathrow in London). This could streamline branding for international travellers while sidestepping historical complexities.
What’s Next?
The proposal is now on a trajectory for parliamentary debate. Once the bill is formally laid before the House, MPs will deliberate on its merits, weighing historical preservation against modern branding and national identity. Public discourse is expected to be vigorous, touching on themes of history, memory, and how Ghana chooses to present itself on the global stage.
This isn’t just a change on a signboard; it’s a conversation about our national story. What do you think? Should the airport’s name reflect its city or preserve a chapter of Ghana’s history?
Stay tuned as this story develops in Parliament.
