Media personality and Creative Lead at Image Bureau, George Quaye has sparked a debate on social media by questioning the tradition of naming airports after politicians.
In a Facebook post this evening, George Quaye asked, “Must the airport necessarily be named after a politician? How about Kwaw Ansah, Osibisa or Atukwei Okai International Airport?
His comment has generated a flurry of responses, with some people agreeing with him and others defending the practice.
Quaye's comment comes amidst news that Kotoka International Airport may be named after Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
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The conversation about the change of name of Kotoka International Airport began this month when the National Chairman of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia imputed that Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a military officer after whom the Airport was named, didn't make any significant contribution in Ghana’s history and story of its independence.
On Monday, February 24, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Professional Forum appealed to the government to consider renaming the Kotoka International Airport.
In a statement issued and signed by the group’s Global President, Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, the group wants the facility to be named after Ghana’s first President, Osaagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“This call is grounded in constitutional and historical imperatives. The Forum holds that naming the airport after Lt. General Emmanuel Kotoka, who led the coup that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is a tacit endorsement of treasonous acts,” Mr Yalley wrote.
According to him, “Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the African Man of the Millennium, played a pivotal role in Ghana’s independence and development. His legacy and contributions to the country’s growth and prosperity are undeniable.”
The Forum believes that “renaming the airport after Dr. Nkrumah would be a fitting tribute to his memory and a testament to his enduring impact on Ghana.”
Read full statement below:
NDC Professionals Forum Calls for Immediate Change of Name from Kotoka International Airport to Nkrumah International Airport
Accra, Ghana – February 24, 2025
The NDC Professionals Forum, a group of professionals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is calling for the immediate change of name from Kotoka International Airport to Nkrumah International Airport.
This call is grounded in constitutional and historical imperatives. The Forum holds that naming the airport after Lt. General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, who led the coup that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is a tacit endorsement of treasonous acts.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the African Man of the Millennium, played a pivotal role in Ghana’s independence and development. His legacy and contributions to the country’s growth and prosperity are undeniable.
The Forum believes that renaming the airport after Dr. Nkrumah would be a fitting tribute to his memory and a testament to his enduring impact on Ghana.
“We urge the Government of Ghana to take immediate action to rename Kotoka International Airport to Nkrumah International Airport,” said Amb. Sam Pee Yalley, National President of the NDC Professionals Forum.
“This is a matter of constitutional and historical significance, and we will continue to advocate for this change until it is effected.”
Signed,
Amb. Sam Pee Yalley
National President, NDC Professionals Forum
