The Ghanaian Government has reverted the name of the Kotoka International Airport to its original designation, Accra International Airport.
Ghana’s Ministry of Transport said in a statement in Accra on Monday that the decision followed considerations that the airport’s former name better aligned with its historical and global recognition.
“The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the airport to its former and internationally recognised name,” it said.
The Transport Ministry assured the public, stakeholders and international partners that the change would not affect airport operations, safety standards or international travel arrangements.
It explained that within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code had remained “ACC”, indicating that the renaming would not alter existing aviation identifiers used globally.
The statement added that there would be systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications and related communication materials.
The Transport Ministry, therefore, called on the general public, stakeholders and international partners to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
It further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued cooperation as the changes take effect.
The name “Kotoka International Airport” has long been a source of national debate because it honours Lt General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a senior military officer involved in the 1966 coup that overthrew Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Local media reports noted that February 24, 2026, marks exactly 60 years of the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah and that the airport, originally opened in 1958 as Accra International Airport, was renamed in Kotoka’s honour in 1969, three years after Lt Gen. Kotoka was killed during an attempted counter-coup at the site now forming the airport forecourt.
The reports quoted some critics of the name as saying that commemorating a coup figure on the country’s principal gateway sends the wrong message about Ghana’s democratic values and glosses over uncomfortable chapters of its political history.
GIK/APA