The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has reiterated its strong stance on removing “Kotoka” from Ghana’s international airport, calling it a long-overdue correction to history.
Communications Director of the CPP, Sylvester Sarpong Sorprano, emphasized that honoring Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup d’état, contradicts Ghana’s democratic values.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, he stated, “It is one of the reasons Ghana has not been progressing. We cannot have this.”
The CPP, in collaboration with Democracy Hub, has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to demand the renaming of Kotoka International Airport.
The lawsuit argues that celebrating a figure responsible for the overthrow of an elected government sends the wrong message about Ghana’s commitment to democracy.
“All the coup d’états shouldn’t have their names being glorified,” Saprano stated. “We want that to be a law and be enforced.”
The party insists that maintaining the name is an endorsement of unconstitutional actions, which contradicts Ghana’s democratic principles.
To ensure lasting change, the CPP wants the Supreme Court ruling to prevent future governments from reversing any potential renaming decision.
“We are speaking the same language, but just so that another government will not come and decide to change the name again, we want to cement it in the law,” Saprano stressed.
The debate surrounding Kotoka’s legacy continues to be a divisive issue, with critics arguing that Ghana should not honor individuals associated with military takeovers.
