The Government has officially restored the name of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport, authorities explained that the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was renamed. According to the Ministry, it was deemed appropriate to return the airport to its former and internationally recognised name.
The Ministry assured the public that the change will not affect airport operations, safety protocols, or international travel arrangements. It further clarified that the airport code “ACC,” registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has remained unchanged and will continue to be used.
Officials indicated that the renaming will be implemented through a structured process, including updates to statutory instruments, official records, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other communication materials.
The Government has called on the public, industry stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry also expressed appreciation for the continued support of all stakeholders.
Debate over the name change intensified in recent weeks after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced on February 3 plans to introduce a bill to revert the airport to its original name. The proposal was presented as a move to honour the Ga people whose lands were acquired for the airport’s construction and to address concerns about commemorating what some have described as an unconstitutional regime change.
The proposal, however, generated sharp political divisions. Supporters, including Bongo MP Charles Bawaduah, argued that restoring the original name would reinforce Ghana’s democratic values by ensuring that the country’s main international gateway does not memorialise the overthrow of an elected government.
Opposition to the move was led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who described the decision as a slight to the Volta Region, the home region of General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka. He criticised senior figures from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region for what he viewed as silence while a national symbol associated with the region was being removed.
