“The Ministry hereby informs the general public that the Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport,” a statement said.
“The facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before its redesignation. The government has considered it appropriate to restore the Airport to its former and internationally recognised name.”
“This change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Notably, within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the airport code has remained “ACC”,” it clarified.
“Implementation of the renaming will involve the systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and related communication materials,” the statement continued.
Stakeholders were encouraged by the Ministry to embrace the shift.
“The general public, stakeholders, and international partners are kindly requested to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Ministry appreciates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders,” it said.
A new law to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport was submitted by the government on February 3 through the Transport Ministry.
During a press conference, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga stated that the Ministry will shortly submit a bill to Parliament to rename the airport.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. So a bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport for the name to be changed from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. So the Accra International Airport bill will also come,” he stated.
Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Ghana’s main aviation hub, has been renamed after 59 years.
Last year, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) name controversy reappeared, with calls for a new name from commentators, civil society organisations, and segments of the public.
The proposal’s proponents contend that naming Ghana’s primary international airport in honour of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a pivotal player in the 1966 coup d’état, does not accurately represent the nation’s democratic ideals and constitutional past.
They argue that individuals linked to democracy, unity, and constitutional rule ought to be honoured with national monuments and infrastructure.
The KIA is a main entry point to the nation, handling millions of people each year.
Source: newsthemegh.com