Government to Rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport

The government has announced plans to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport.

The announcement was made during a leadership media briefing ahead of the resumption of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Legislation to Be Laid Before Parliament

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga disclosed that the proposed name change will be carried out through legislation to be presented by the Minister for Transport.

“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport for the name to be changed,” Mr Ayariga said.

Parliament is expected to debate the bill during the new session.

Why the Name Change Is Being Proposed

The renaming follows years of calls from civil society groups and sections of the public, who argue that the current name does not align with Ghana’s democratic values.

Kotoka International Airport is named after General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, one of the key figures involved in the 1966 coup that overthrew Ghana’s first government. Critics say national monuments should not honour figures associated with military takeovers.

Other Transport Bills to Be Introduced

According to the Majority Leader, the airport renaming forms part of broader legislative priorities in the transport sector.

The Minister for Transport is also expected to lay:

• Maritime Offences Bill

• Road Traffic Bill (to address the legalisation and regulation of okada operations)

• Ghana Shippers Council Regulation Bill

These bills are aimed at improving transport regulation and safety across the country.

Parliament Set for Key Debates

With Parliament resuming this week, lawmakers are expected to debate the airport name change alongside other transport-related reforms.

The proposal has already sparked public discussion, with supporters welcoming the move and others calling for wider national consultations.