Accra: Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, has expressed his views on the government's consideration to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as Accra International Airport, a process currently underway in Parliament. He conveyed his opinion to the Ghana News Agency in a personal capacity, emphasizing that renaming the airport is not a national priority at this moment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Togbe Tepre Hodo highlighted that the nation is grappling with numerous critical issues that demand attention more urgently than the renaming of an airport. The airport was originally renamed in 1969 to honor General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka after his death following a mutiny. Togbe Tepre Hodo questioned the initial justification for naming the airport after General Kotoka, citing his involvement in the 1966 coup, which he claims was orchestrated by foreign agents to overthrow a legitimate government. He emphasized that state monuments should be named after individuals with commendable deeds.
Conversely, some Ghanaians view the 1966 coup as a positive turning point, believing that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was becoming autocratic, especially under the 'Preventive Detention Act (PDA),' which allowed the detention of individuals without trial. Despite these differing perspectives, Togbe Tepre Hodo clarified that his objection to the renaming is not rooted in tribal sentiments. He stressed that the coup was not a result of General Kotoka's ethnic background.
The airport, initially opened in 1958 as Accra International Airport, was renamed in 1969 in honor of Lieutenant General Kotoka. The proposal to restore its original name was announced by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, sparking public debate nationwide.