Accra: The Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has endorsed the government's decision to rename Kotoka International Airport, describing it as long overdue and historically justified. Speaking in an interview following the announcement on February 3, 2026, A Plus welcomed the move to revert the airport's name to Accra International Airport, arguing that the current name represents a painful chapter in Ghana's political history.
According to Ghana Web, A Plus expressed relief and excitement over the renaming, commending the President for changing the name from Kotoka to Accra International Airport. He noted that although the airport has not been renamed Kwame Nkrumah International Airport, reverting to its original name is a significant step. A Plus further made controversial remarks, suggesting that Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka should be symbolically "prosecuted even in death." He argued that Kotoka is the main reason for Ghana's current challenges and should be considered an enemy of the state.
A Plus linked the 1966 overthrow of Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, with halting the country's development, especially in industrialisation and fisheries. He stated that the coup destroyed the nation's destiny and is responsible for the hardships faced by Ghanaians today. These comments coincide with the announcement by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, who indicated that the government will soon introduce a bill to officially rename the country's main international airport.
During a press briefing ahead of the first sitting of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament, Ayariga confirmed that the Minister for Transport would present legislation to change the airport's name from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. He assured that the process would be conducted legally and reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. The proposed renaming follows prolonged public debate and advocacy from various individuals and groups who argue against honouring a figure associated with the 1966 military coup.
Historically, the airport originated as a British Royal Air Force military facility during World War II. Under President Nkrumah, it was developed into a civilian airport starting in 1956, with completion in 1958, and initially named Accra International Airport. However, in 1969, it was renamed Kotoka International Airport in honour of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a member of the National Liberation Council, who was killed during a failed coup attempt in 1967 at a site now located at the airport's forecourt.