The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Mr Abraham Koomson, has urged Ghanaians to steer clear of tribal sentiments in the ongoing national discourse surrounding the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
Mr Koomson emphasised the importance of constructive engagement, cautioning against divisive rhetoric and ethnic framing of the debate. He stressed that discussions on national matters should be guided by substance and national interest rather than personal attacks or regional and ethnic loyalties.
Speaking on the government’s proposal to revert the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport, Mr Koomson noted that the issue goes beyond signage and symbolism, touching on deeper questions of Ghana’s history, identity and the role of politics in shaping public discourse.
While acknowledging that opinions on the matter are divided, with some viewing the proposal as a necessary step towards standardisation and democratic reflection and others seeing it as a misplaced priority, Mr Koomson said the conversation must remain objective and respectful. He maintained that the renaming exercise should not be interpreted as an attack on any ethnic group or region.
According to him, reverting to the neutral name Accra International Airport would recognise historical realities and honour the original custodians of the land on which the airport was built. He added, “The discussion is about history and national values, not tribalism.”
Mr Koomson’s comments come as Parliament prepares to debate the Accra International Airport Bill, a process he believes should reflect Ghana’s commitment to unity, dignity and democratic values. He encouraged citizens to participate in the debate thoughtfully and avoid rhetoric that could inflame tensions or deepen divisions.
Ghana’s main international airport, currently known as Kotoka International Airport, is expected to be renamed Accra International Airport following the introduction of a bill by the government. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has explained that the proposal seeks to restore the airport’s original name and acknowledge the Ga people as the custodians of the land used for its construction. He has also clarified that the move is not intended to erase the legacy of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.
However, the proposal has attracted criticism from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, who described it as “a political attack” and argued that it unfairly targets the Volta Region, the ancestral home of Lieutenant General Kotoka.
As the debate unfolded in Parliament, Mr Koomson reiterated the need for national maturity and unity, urging Ghanaians to focus on the broader values of history, inclusiveness and nation building rather than allowing the issue to degenerate into ethnic or regional controversy.
