Government has officially announced the renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
In a press release dated February 23, the Ministry of Transport announced that the change has taken effect.
“The Ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the facility bore the name Accra International Airport before it was redesignated decades ago, and government has now deemed it appropriate to restore what it described as its former and internationally recognised identity.
“The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the Airport to its former and internationally recognised name,” the statement explained.
Authorities were quick to assure travellers and aviation stakeholders that the development will not disrupt airport activities or international operations.
“This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained ‘ACC’,” the Ministry noted.
Officials further clarified that implementation will involve updates to official documents, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications and related communication materials.
“The general public, stakeholders, and international partners are kindly requested to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders,” the statement added.
The renaming follows an announcement made on February 3 by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who disclosed that a bill would be presented to Parliament to formalise the change.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. So a bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport for the name to be changed from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. So the Accra International Airport bill will also come,” he said at a press conference.
The move reignited longstanding public discussions about whether Ghana’s main gateway should continue to bear the name of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a central figure in the 1966 coup d’état.
Supporters of the change argue that renaming the airport reflects Ghana’s democratic evolution and distances the country’s premier national symbol from unconstitutional regime change. Others maintain that the name had historical significance and honoured what they describe as national heroism.
Despite the divergent views, government has proceeded with the reversion, marking a significant symbolic shift nearly six decades after the airport was first named Kotoka International Airport.
The Accra International Airport remains Ghana’s busiest aviation facility, serving millions of passengers annually and functioning as the country’s principal gateway to the world.
