Gov’t to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport

The government has announced plans to change the name of Ghana’s international airport from 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.

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed that the change would be effected through legislation to be laid before Parliament 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,” he said.

The proposed renaming follows years of calls by sections of the public and civil society groups, who argue that the current name does not reflect Ghana’s democratic values, as it honours General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, one of the key figures involved in the 1966 coup that overthrew the country’s first government.

Mr Ayariga said the renaming forms part of broader legislative priorities expected to be presented when Parliament resumes.

He added that the Minister for Transport would also lay several bills, including the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill, which are expected to address the legalisation and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations, commonly known as okada.

“The Minister for Transport will bring the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill to deal with the legalisation of okada riding and their operations. He will also bring the Ghana Shippers’ Council Regulation Bill,” the Majority Leader said.

Parliament is expected to debate the proposed airport name change and the transport-related bills during the new session.

Source: Citinewsroom [www.citinewsroom.com]