Ghana’s only international airport, Kotoka International Airport (KIA), has once again come under scrutiny—not for its operations, but for its name.
The latest challenge comes from Democracy Hub and the Convention People’s Party (CPP), who have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, demanding a name change.
They argue that naming the airport after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kotoka, a military officer who played a key role in overthrowing Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a dishonor to the country’s founder.
But why was the airport named after Kotoka in the first place?
The History Behind the Name
The story dates back to February 24, 1966, when Ghana’s first republic was overthrown in a military coup. At the time, Kwame Nkrumah’s government had become increasingly authoritarian, leading to discontent among sections of the military and the general population.
The National Liberation Council (NLC), led by military officers including Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kotoka, took control of the country. Kotoka became a central figure in this transition, presenting the coup as a liberation from dictatorship.
However, just a year later, on April 17, 1967, a group of junior officers attempted a counter-coup against the NLC government. Kotoka was killed at the Accra International Airport while trying to resist the attack. In response, the ruling NLC renamed the airport Kotoka International Airport in his honor.
The Controversy
The decision to name Ghana’s only international airport after a military officer who led a coup has been controversial ever since.
Arguments for a Name Change
– Some believe the name glorifies military rule and the overthrow of a democratically elected government.
– Others argue that Nkrumah was Ghana’s founding father, and naming a national facility after one of his political opponents is inappropriate.
– A return to the original “Accra International Airport”or a more neutral name would, in their view, reflect Ghana’s democratic values and national unity.
Arguments for Keeping the Name
– Supporters believe that Kotoka played a crucial role in removing a dictatorship, as Nkrumah’s rule had become increasingly autocratic.
– The name has been in use for over five decades, making it part of Ghana’s historical identity.
– Some argue that renaming the airport would erase an important chapter in Ghana’s history.
What Do You Think?
Should Ghana rename its only international airport? If so, what should it be called? Accra International Airport? Kwame Nkrumah International Airport? Or something entirely new?
