Kotoka family fight airport name change …insists move undermines his legacy

The family of the late Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka has expressed opposition to Government’s publicly announced decision to rename the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as “Accra International Airport.”

The family has erupted in anger over the publicly announced decision and described the move as a badly-thought through idea which is disrespectful to the General’s enduring legacy of national service.

The family expressed disappointment that none of them was consulted before the announcement of the proposed name change, a development they said undermines the respect and recognition due to one of Ghana’s most distinguished military figures.

Michael Korshie Dzirakor, maternal uncle of the late General Kotoka, who spoke on behalf of the family in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, urged authorities to carefully consider Major General Kotoka’s legacy of selfless service, military professionalism and commitment to national development before taking any decision on the airport’s name.

“General Kotoka’s contributions helped shape modern Ghana. Had it not been Kotoka, Ghana would have experienced a one-party state with a lifetime president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, until his death. Is that what we wanted for Ghana?” Mr Dzirakor questioned, adding “It is only fitting that his name and service continue to be honoured appropriately”.

‘Kotoka Was No Traitor’

Addressing perceptions that portray the late General as a coup plotter or betrayer, Mr Dzirakor said history presented a different account.

“Though Kotoka is widely referred to today as a coup plotter or betrayer, those who lived through that era can attest that he was not a traitor. On the contrary, he played a pivotal role in ending a dictatorship and restoring a measure of national stability,” Mr. Dzirakor said.

Mr. Dzirakor highlighted the late General’s professional achievements, noting that his service extended beyond Ghana. He held key leadership positions within the Ghana Army and played an instrumental role in coordinating Ghanaian forces during the Congo Crisis of 1963–1964.

Kotoka’s contributions, he said, earned him international recognition, including his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his service with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC).

“General Kotoka was a principled, law-abiding and disciplined officer, deeply committed to his family, community and nation. His dedication to public service and development cannot be overstated,” he added.

Mr Dzirakor said the late General never sought personal glorification and did not name any institution after himself. He debunked claims that the Kotoka family receives royalties from the airport, stating that such reports were completely unfounded.

Ghanaians Divided over renaming

The proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, recently announced by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has sharply divided public opinion.

While some Ghanaians have described the move as politically motivated, others have welcomed the decision.

Among those opposing the renaming is the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has defended the retention of the Kotoka name.

“All these years, we’ve had General Kotoka’s name on the airport, and suddenly it’s being changed. The name Kotoka International Airport, Accra, already exists, so there is no need to remove Kotoka’s name,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin Questions Rationale

Mr Afenyo-Markin further questioned the rationale behind the move, arguing that the airport name represents one of the few national recognitions associated with the Volta Region.

“How many prominent Voltarians have their names on national monuments or assets? This is one of the few recognitions of heroism from the Volta Region, and now they want to take it away,” he stated.

CPP Supports Change

However, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) has welcomed the proposal. The party’s National Communications Director argued that honouring individuals linked to military coups has negatively impacted Ghana’s political development.

“The reason the CPP has suffered for many years is that we agreed for the state to name monuments and institutions after someone like Kotoka,” he said. “We are therefore grateful that this change is being considered.”

Transport Minister Defends Move

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has defended the government’s decision, dismissing claims that the move is politically driven.

According to him, the plan is simply to restore the airport’s original name, Accra International Airport, as it was known during the administration of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

“We are not doing this with any political intent. Accra is our capital city, and the name belongs to all Ghanaians,” he said.

The Minister added that the name Accra International Airport holds both national and continental significance.

“Accra is rich in culture and identity. Across West Africa, Accra is recognised as a centre of the independence struggle. Renaming the airport to Accra International Airport is important to the Ghanaian people and the African personality,” he stated.

A bill to effect the change is expected to be laid before Parliament soon by the Minister for Transport for consideration and approval.