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Airport Renaming Debate Sparks Division in Ghana

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 2:39 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Accra, Ghana - February 4th, 2026 - A growing movement advocating for the renaming of Kotoka International Airport is gaining momentum, fueled by prominent voices like Kwame Asare, widely known as A-Plus. The debate, far from a simple semantic exercise, is exposing deep fissures within Ghanaian society regarding its history, national identity, and the legacy of key political figures. A-Plus's recent statements on Pan African Television have reignited the conversation, framing the airport's current name as a symbol of lingering colonial influence and an impediment to Ghana's future progress.

Kotoka International Airport, currently named after Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a military officer who played a pivotal role in the 1966 coup that overthrew Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, has long been a subject of contention. While some view Kotoka as a patriot who restored order after a period of perceived instability, others see him as a figure complicit in the dismantling of Nkrumah's Pan-Africanist vision. The airport was renamed in his honor in the 1990s, a move that, even at the time, was met with significant protest and controversy.

The current push for a name change isn't solely focused on Kotoka, however. It's intertwined with broader discussions about honoring figures associated with the turbulent era of military rule that characterized much of Ghana's post-independence history. The initial calls for renaming stemmed from concerns that honoring a figure like Kotoka overshadowed the legacy of those who championed democratic ideals and social justice. This original concern morphed when, following Jerry Rawlings' death, the airport was briefly considered to be renamed after him. Rawlings, while celebrated by some for his attempts to address corruption and economic hardship, also faced accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses during his time in power.

A-Plus argues that the airport's name should reflect a distinctly Ghanaian identity, one that transcends the divisive figures of the past. He posits that retaining a name linked to a period of political upheaval actively hinders the nation's ability to forge a unified path forward. "We must have a name that represents who we are, where we are coming from, and where we want to go," he stated, echoing a sentiment increasingly shared by a segment of the population.

The debate has sparked a flurry of suggestions for alternative names. Proponents are advocating for honoring figures from Ghana's pre-colonial era - powerful queens, influential chiefs, and cultural heroes whose contributions have often been marginalized in mainstream historical narratives. Others suggest honoring individuals associated with the fight for independence or those who have made significant contributions to Ghana's arts, sciences, or social development. Names like Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti queen who led resistance against British colonialism, and Kofi Busia, a prominent pre-independence politician and Prime Minister, are frequently cited as potential replacements.

The government has yet to formally address the growing calls for a name change, but the increasing public pressure suggests that a decision is inevitable. Analysts predict that any potential renaming will require a carefully orchestrated process, involving public consultation, historical research, and a thorough assessment of the potential implications. Some fear that a hasty decision could further exacerbate existing tensions, while others believe that a thoughtful and inclusive process could be a powerful symbol of national reconciliation.

The discussion surrounding Kotoka Airport is symptomatic of a larger trend across Africa, where nations are increasingly re-evaluating their colonial past and seeking to reclaim their historical narratives. Monuments, street names, and public institutions are being scrutinized, and decisions are being made to replace symbols of oppression with those that celebrate African identity and resilience. Ghana, a nation that played a pivotal role in the Pan-African movement, is now at a crucial juncture, tasked with defining its own identity for future generations. The renaming of Kotoka International Airport, therefore, is not merely a matter of changing a name; it's about shaping the nation's destiny.