Anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has urged the government to amend the bill expected to be laid before Parliament on the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport, calling instead for the facility to be named after Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
According to Mr. Azeem, national monuments should honour leaders who laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence and early development, rather than adopt neutral geographic names.
His comments come amid renewed public debate following the government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.
Mr. Azeem welcomed the decision to pursue a name change but argued that Dr. Nkrumah deserved the honour.
“I’m happy that the government has decided to rename the airport, but I would have been happier if it were named after the first leader of this country, President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Many African countries have named their main international airports after their founding leaders who fought for and secured independence. Nkrumah did a lot for this country, especially in the early years of nation-building,” he said.
Mr. Azeem also downplayed concerns about the financial implications of a renaming exercise, suggesting the process could be carried out gradually and might even attract tourism interest.
“I don’t think the cost would be unbearable if the country finds it necessary to rename the airport. It won’t happen overnight — it will take time for proper rebranding, and it could even generate some tourism interest,” he added.
He further cautioned against viewing the proposal through an ethnic lens, stressing that Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy transcends tribal considerations.
“Nkrumah has no tribe — he is a Ghanaian. Considering what he did for this country, naming the airport after him would be a fitting national tribute. While Accra International Airport is an option, I would personally prefer Kwame Nkrumah International Airport,” he stated.
