Ghana has officially renamed its main airport as Accra International Airport, removing the name of coup leader Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka exactly 60 years after he helped overthrow independence leader Kwame Nkrumah.
The government said restoring the airport’s original name promotes national neutrality and aligns with democratic principles.
However, Kotoka’s family and political opponents argue that the decision erases important historical memory, particularly for his native Volta Region.
Civil society groups largely welcomed the move, while critics questioned the timing, suggesting the administration should focus on urgent economic issues such as unemployment and living standards rather than symbolic renaming.
Authorities assured the public that the renaming would not disrupt airport operations or international travel. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s political past under President John Mahama’s administration.
