Ghana’s history is at a defining crossroads and it begins at the very first place most visitors encounter the country.
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to rename Kotoka International Airport back to Accra International Airport. The announcement was made by the Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Yariga, during a media briefing ahead of Parliament’s resumption on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
On the surface, this may sound like a simple name change. In reality, it has opened a nationwide conversation about history, democracy, and the values Ghana chooses to project to the world.
What This Means for Travelers (Quick Reassurance)
For visitors planning trips to Ghana in 2026 and beyond, this proposal does not affect flights, visas, arrival procedures, or airport operations. Your journey remains smooth and familiar but it now carries deeper meaning. The discussion adds context to your arrival, turning the airport from a transit point into a symbol of Ghana’s evolving identity.
Why the Debate Matters
Airports are more than infrastructure. They are symbols. They are the first handshake, the first impression, the opening chapter of a country’s story.
The airport was originally opened in 1958 as Accra International Airport. In 1969, it was renamed after Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a central figure in the 1966 military coup that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, while he was on a peace mission abroad. That coup ended Ghana’s First Republic and ushered in a period of military rule.
For many Ghanaians, naming the nation’s primary gateway after a figure linked to the overthrow of an elected government conflicts with the values Ghana promotes today: constitutional rule, democratic stability, and respect for civilian leadership.
Supporters of the proposed change stress that this is not about erasing history. History, they argue, belongs in classrooms, museums, and archives not necessarily on national landmarks. Returning to a neutral, city-based name like Accra International Airport is seen as inclusive and forward-looking.
The Other Side of the Conversation
Critics counter that Kotoka is part of Ghana’s historical record, whether celebrated or contested. Removing the name, they warn, could set a precedent for revisiting other monuments and symbols nationwide. To them, the issue is preservation acknowledging history in full, not selectively.
This is why the proposal goes beyond aviation. It has become a broader national reflection on memory, legacy, and identity. Parliament will ultimately decide the outcome through the proper legislative process.
What This Moment Represents for AfroBookings
At AfroBookings, we see this as a powerful reminder of why Ghana remains one of Africa’s most compelling destinations.
Whether the airport retains its current name or officially becomes Accra International Airport again, Ghana continues to welcome the world with openness, culture, and confidence. Visitors aren’t just landing in a city — they’re stepping into a living democracy that actively engages with its past while shaping its future.
Join the Conversation
Is the proposed renaming a win for Ghana’s democratic values?
Or an unnecessary reopening of history?
We invite our AfroBookings community locals, diasporans, and global travelers to share their views. And whether you’re visiting for heritage, festivals, business, or adventure, AfroBookings helps you experience Ghana beyond the headlines.
AfroBookings — Your Gateway to Africa.
