The Roads and Transportation Committee of Parliament has expressed its readiness to consider a proposal to rename the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), should an official request be formally submitted.
This response follows growing public concern over the airport named after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kotoka, a military figure who played a central role in the 1966 coup that overthrew Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Among the voices calling for the name change is His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a globally respected Catholic leader and advocate for peace and justice. Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has also described the continued use of Kotoka’s name for a key national asset as both historically and morally inappropriate.
Chairman of the Committee and Wassa East MP, Isaac Adjei Mensah, speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, noted that while there is no formal proposal before the committee, the matter could warrant national dialogue if public interest continues to grow.
“This is a national issue. Kotoka International Airport is globally recognised as Ghana’s main airport. But if, over time, prominent leaders and a significant portion of the public believe the name no longer reflects our values or current realities, then a national conversation would be necessary,” he said.
“If the majority of Ghanaians express a desire for a change, why not consider it? For now, though, it’s more of a general sentiment. Until Parliament is formally notified, the Committee cannot initiate any proceedings,” Adjei Mensah added.
Rename KIA after Kwame Nkrumah – Vitus Azeem tells govt