The family of late Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka has expressed strong opposition to the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport, describing the decision as ill considered and dismissive of the military officer’s legacy.
Mr Michael Korshie Dzirakor, maternal uncle to the late General Kotoka, told the Ghana News Agency on Sunday that neither the immediate nor extended family was consulted before the government announced plans to change the airport’s name to Accra International Airport. The interview took place at his residence in Fiaxor, near Anloga in the Volta Region.
Parliament Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that the Transport Minister will table a bill seeking to revert the airport to its original name, which it held when it opened in 1958. The airport was renamed in 1969 to honour Lieutenant General Kotoka, who was killed at the site during an aborted coup attempt on April 17, 1967.
Mr Dzirakor rejected characterisations of his uncle as a coup plotter or betrayer, stating that those who witnessed governance during that era understood that General Kotoka played a role in ending what the family describes as a dictatorship and restoring national stability.
He highlighted General Kotoka’s military career, which included commanding Ghanaian forces during the Congo Crisis between 1963 and 1964 as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC). Queen Elizabeth II recognised his service with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honour.
General Kotoka enlisted as a private in the Gold Coast Regiment in July 1947 and rose through military ranks to become Lieutenant General and General Officer Commanding the Ghana Armed Forces. He participated in the February 24, 1966 military coup that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah’s government, subsequently serving on the National Liberation Council as Commissioner for Health.
Mr Dzirakor noted that although General Kotoka did not assume governance following the 1966 overthrow, he had initiated development projects including a proposed bridge over the Keta Lagoon connecting Kome to Woe. The Kotoka Trust Fund was later established to support community projects, leading to the creation of the Kodzi Health Clinic.
Local chiefs confirmed that General Kotoka developed a pipe borne water extension project serving communities including Fiaxor, Kodzi, and Alakple, demonstrating his commitment to grassroots development.
Addressing the national debate, Mr Dzirakor stated that the late General never sought personal glorification and never named any institution after himself. He described current discussions as divisive, noting mixed reactions from political actors and the public.
Mr Dzirakor also denied reports that the Kotoka family receives royalties from the airport, calling such claims unfounded.
The proposed renaming has generated divided public opinion. Supporters argue the current name honours a coup leader and contradicts Ghana’s democratic values enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. Anti corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has suggested naming the airport after Dr Kwame Nkrumah instead.
Critics of the renaming proposal, including Sekou Nkrumah, son of the late President, questioned the rationale and timing, noting that if the objection centres on coup involvement, other installations named after military leaders who seized power should also be considered for renaming.
The airport handled 3.4 million passengers in 2024, maintaining its position as Ghana’s primary international gateway.
Mr Dzirakor concluded by urging that any decision should account for General Kotoka’s legacy of military professionalism and commitment to national development, questioning whether Ghana would have preferred a one party state under President Nkrumah.
