Ghana’s flagship aviation hub has officially returned to its original designation, Accra International Airport, following a government decision to reverse the 1969 renaming that honoured Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.
The Ministry of Transport announced the reversion in a statement, describing it as an administrative measure intended to restore the airport’s internationally recognised identity. Officials emphasised that the change will not disrupt daily operations, international travel schedules, or aviation safety standards.
The airport’s IATA code, ACC, which is widely used in global airline systems, will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for airlines, passengers, and trading partners. Authorities also confirmed that all necessary updates to signage, official documents, digital platforms, and aviation publications will be carried out systematically in the coming weeks.
The decision marks the conclusion of a long-standing public debate over national symbolism and historical legacy. Proponents of the reversion argued that the airport’s name should reflect its geographical location for global clarity, while critics of the previous name cited its association with a military figure and intervention in Ghana’s political history.
Parliament had previously deliberated on the matter, and the reversion has attracted attention from civil society, political stakeholders, and the aviation industry. The Ministry of Transport called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
The ministry says the phased renaming will preserve the airport’s position as a central hub for international travel and trade in West Africa.
