Ghana’s main aviation hub, Kotoka International Airport (KIA), is set to be renamed, following an announcement made by the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga at a press conference today, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, ahead of the resumption of the Ninth Parliament.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Transport will soon present a bill to Parliament to officially rename the airport.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. The Minister for Transport will soon bring a bill to Parliament for this purpose,” Ayariga stated.
The move comes 58 years after the facility was named in honour of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup d’état. Public discussions on renaming the airport resurfaced last year, with various civil society groups, commentators, and members of the public calling for a reconsideration of the airport’s name.
Supporters of the change argue that naming Ghana’s main international airport after a coup leader is inconsistent with the country’s democratic principles and constitutional values. They believe that national landmarks and infrastructure should celebrate figures who represent unity, democracy, and governance under the constitution.
As Ghana’s busiest airport, the KIA serves millions of passengers annually and remains a crucial gateway for international travelers entering the country. The proposed renaming marks a significant step in aligning the nation’s landmarks with its democratic heritage
