Ghana’s government is considering a proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport, reigniting a long-running national debate about how the country remembers its political history.
The airport, Ghana’s main international gateway, is currently named after Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, one of the military officers involved in the 1966 coup that overthrew the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
Supporters of the proposed change argue that it is inappropriate for a key national landmark to bear the name of a figure associated with an unconstitutional change of government. They say a new name would better reflect Ghana’s democratic values and independence history.
Government officials have confirmed that discussions are under way, with some lawmakers suggesting the airport could revert to its original name, Accra International Airport, while others have called for it to be renamed after Dr Nkrumah.
The issue has drawn strong public reaction. Civil society groups and some political parties have welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards addressing historical injustices.
Critics, however, argue that renaming the airport could deepen political divisions and distract from more pressing economic concerns.
Kotoka International Airport was originally opened in 1958 as Accra International Airport and was renamed in 1969, three years after the coup.
Any change to the airport’s name would require parliamentary approval.
For now, the government says it is consulting widely before taking a final decision.
