Keta: Some Ghanaian citizens in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have rejected the government's proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport. The announcement was made by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader of Parliament, who stated that a bill would be presented to Parliament to rename the airport Accra International Airport.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ephraim Dodzi Jumpah, Assembly Member of Tegbi-Ashiata Electoral Area, vehemently opposed the Majority Leader's indication that the government was taking steps to rename the airport. He said Kotoka was a leader from Alakple in the Anloga District of the Volta Region, who joined the military, rose through the ranks, and gained significant experience and respect. General Kotoka was known for leading the 1966 coup d'©tat that overthrew Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, while Nkrumah was on a state visit to Vietnam and China. The coup was carried out by the National Liberation Council (NLC), a group of military officers and police personnel, with Kotoka as a key figure.
Mr. Jumpah explained that following the coup, Kotoka became the Chairman of the NLC, effectively the head of state of Ghana, which aimed to restore constitutional rule and address economic issues, although their tenure was relatively short. He stated that General Kotoka was tragically assassinated on April 17, 1967, during an attempted counter-coup known as 'Operation Guitar Boy.' He was killed at the military airbase used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II, which was named Kotoka International Airport to honor his memory.
He argued that Kotoka was a significant figure in Ghanaian history, especially at a time when the first President Kwame Nkrumah was accused of allegedly using the country's resources on other countries with the idea of establishing an African Union while Ghana was suffering economic hardship. Mr. Jumpah questioned the benefit of removing Kotoka's name from the airport, suggesting that it indicated a lack of understanding of historical significance.
Mr. Seth Yayra Adzima, another citizen, also opposed the change, citing Kotoka's role in Ghana's history and his connection to the Volta Region. He argued that Kotoka was a hero who had played a significant role in Ghana's development, and removing his name would be an insult to his memory. He suggested that the government should focus on infrastructure, education, agriculture, sports, and job creation rather than renaming Kotoka International Airport, which would not alleviate the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians.
Mr. Adzima stated that General Kotoka's statue was erected at Alakple and Savietula junction, demonstrating his heroism and demanding national recognition. He alleged that removing Kotoka's name from the airport was a clear attempt at tribalism, emphasizing Kotoka's identity as a proud citizen of the Volta Region and Anloland.
He urged the government to explain in detail its proposal to rename the airport and called on stakeholders to intervene for the government to reconsider the move. Meanwhile, the proposal continues to spark intense debate and discussion among residents of Keta Municipality, with some arguing that the airport's name should reflect Ghana's founding values and independence story.
The proposed renaming has also sparked debate about Ghana's history and identity, with some advocating for symbols that reflect democratic values and others calling for a renaming process guided by law to reflect the will of the Ghanaian people. The controversy highlights the complexities of Ghana's history and the challenges of reconciling its past with its present, raising questions about identity, democracy, and the values that should define the nation.