Kotoka International Airport Reverts to Original Name

The government has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport Ghana.

The Ministry explained that the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its name was changed. It stated that returning to the former and internationally recognised name was considered appropriate.

Authorities assured the public that the renaming will not affect airport operations, safety standards or international travel arrangements. The airport code “ACC,” registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization, has always remained the same and will continue to be used.

According to the statement, the transition will involve systematic updates to official documentation, statutory instruments, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications and related communication materials. The government has called on stakeholders, the general public and international partners to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition.

The Ministry also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support.

Background to the Debate

Public debate over the renaming intensified in recent weeks following a February 3 announcement by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that the government would introduce legislation to restore the airport’s original name.

Supporters of the move, including Bongo MP Charles Bawaduah, argued that the change reinforces Ghana’s democratic values by ensuring the country’s main gateway does not commemorate the overthrow of an elected government.

However, the proposal drew strong opposition. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the decision, describing it as a slight to the Volta Region, the home region of the late General Kotoka. He argued that the move risks erasing a national symbol associated with what some consider heroism from that region.

With the official reversion now confirmed, attention shifts to how quickly the administrative and branding changes will be implemented across local and international aviation systems.