Kotoka International Airport now Accra International Airport – Transport Ministry

 The Ministry of Transport has changed the name of Ghana’s main international airport to Accra International Airport.

This is contained in a press release dated February 23.

“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,” the statement announced.

It explained that, “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”.”

The statement added that, “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 Ministry urged stakeholders to welcome the change.

“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.

On February 3, Government through the Transport Ministry proposed a new bill to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as Accra international airport.

Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga at a press conference confirmed that the Ministry will soon present a bill to Parliament for the Airport to be renamed.

“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 said.

The name change comes after 59 years since Ghana’s primary aviation hub was named Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

Public debate resurfaced last year over the name of Kotoka International Airport (KIA), with renewed calls from sections of the public, civil society groups, and commentators for the facility to be renamed.

Advocates of the proposed change argue that naming Ghana’s main international airport after Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup d’état, does not reflect the country’s democratic values and constitutional history.

They contend that national monuments and infrastructure should honour figures associated with democracy, unity, and constitutional governance.

The KIA serves millions of passengers annually, acting as a major gateway to the country.