The Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport.
The Ministry explained that the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was renamed, and authorities have now deemed it appropriate to restore its former and internationally recognised name.
In its statement, the Ministry assured the public that the change in name will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. It further noted that the airport’s international code, “ACC,” registered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), has always remained unchanged and will continue to be used.
The renaming process will involve a systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other related communication materials. The government has also called on the general public, stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support throughout the process.
The decision follows weeks of intense public and political debate over the naming of the country’s main international airport. On February 3, the Majority Leader announced that the government would introduce a bill to revert the airport’s name, describing the move as a way to honour the Ga people whose lands were acquired for the airport’s construction and to address concerns about glorifying unconstitutional regime change.
Supporters of the move, including Bongo MP Charles Bawaduah, argued that the renaming reflects Ghana’s commitment to democratic values, asserting that the country’s principal gateway should not celebrate the overthrow of an elected government.
However, the proposal has attracted strong opposition, particularly from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who described the decision as a betrayal of the Volta Region, the home of General Emmanuel Kotoka. He accused some senior political figures from the region of remaining silent while a significant national symbol linked to the late general was being removed.
The renaming of the airport is expected to continue generating public discourse as the government proceeds with the implementation of the change.
