Ghana is debating a proposed change to the name of its main airport, after the government confirmed it plans to bring a bill to Parliament to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the Ministry of Transport will introduce legislation for the change. He linked the proposal to the history of land acquisition for national infrastructure in the capital.
Kotoka Airport rename proposal moves to Parliament
Government intends to table what it described as the Accra International Airport Bill. If Parliament passes the bill, it will change the airport’s legal name.
Supporters say the new name would reflect the city that hosts the facility. They also argue it would better represent the capital’s role as Ghana’s main air gateway. However, critics say the move raises sensitive historical issues and requires broad consultation.
Why the airport’s name matters
Kotoka International Airport carries the name of Lieutenant General Emmanuel K. Kotoka. The naming has long drawn public attention because of Ghana’s political history.
Meanwhile, Ghana Airports Company Limited notes that the airport first operated as Accra International Airport in 1958. It adds that authorities renamed it Kotoka International Airport in 1969.
Because of that background, the proposal has triggered a wider discussion about how Ghana names public institutions. In particular, commentators have questioned which historical figures deserve public memorials and what symbols best reflect democratic governance.
What could change for travellers and operators
A new legal name would affect branding and public communications. For example, agencies would need to update signage, official publications and digital platforms. Airlines and service providers would also have to align their customer-facing materials over time.
However, the change would not automatically affect aviation codes. The airport’s IATA code is “ACC,” and the bill discussed so far focuses on the name rather than codes. For now, Kotoka International Airport remains the official name until Parliament acts.
The debate is expected to continue as the bill reaches lawmakers and stakeholders present their views during the legislative process.
