Accra:Fresh details have emerged regarding the government's proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport, as the Attorney-General has informed the Supreme Court that the 1969 decree establishing the airport's name remains unchanged and legally binding.
According to Ghana Web, in an affidavit filed in response to a legal challenge against the renaming, Assistant State Attorney Mamavi Owusu-Aboagye stated that Kotoka International Airport continues to be the facility's legal name, despite a government announcement in February indicating a reversion to Accra International Airport. The affidavit, sworn on 18 May, is part of the proceedings in the case of Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers v Attorney-General.
The affidavit highlights that the government has not amended, repealed, or contravened the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339), which remains fully intact and operative as part of Ghana's laws. This development follows the Ministry of Transport's announcement on 23 February, which detailed plans to revert the airport's name and update related official documentation and signage. However, the affidavit clarifies that the proposed legislation has not yet been laid before Parliament.
The case brought by Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers challenges the government's decision to rename the airport without first amending or repealing the existing legislation. The plaintiff argues that this move is inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution and should be declared null and void. The legal dispute revolves around whether the government can change the airport's official name through an administrative announcement without necessary legislative steps.
The Attorney-General also addressed concerns regarding the General Kotoka Trust established under the decree, affirming that the trust remains operative and that no beneficiary has been deprived of entitlements. The Supreme Court is expected to resolve the legal issues, including the status of the airport's name and the required procedures for the proposed change.