Accra: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has voiced strong support for the government's decision to rename Kotoka International Airport, asserting that the change is overdue.
According to Ghana Web, the renaming plan is seen as a crucial step in reclaiming Ghana's national symbols to better reflect the country's values and heritage.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the current name of the airport is linked to a figure associated with the overthrow of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He argued that the airport, as a symbol of national pride and the first point of welcome to the world, should not bear the name of a figure involved in such an event. The proposed name change to Accra International Airport is considered a move toward neutrality, unity, and a future-focused national identity.
The comments from Armah-Kofi Buah follow an earlier announcement by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, regarding the government's intention to rename the airport. Ayariga revealed that a bill would soon be introduced in Parliament by the Minister of Transport to officially change the name from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. This announcement was made during a briefing with journalists ahead of the first sitting of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament.
The proposed Accra International Airport Bill is intended to facilitate this change, reflecting the government's commitment to aligning national symbols with the country's values and aspirations.