Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, Hamza Suhuyini, has debunked claims of political motives associated with government plans to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
According to him, the continued use of the name “Kotoka” is a painful reminder of the devastation caused by the 1966 coup, and the proposed change is aimed at correcting that historical narrative rather than advancing partisan interests.
He urged Ghanaians to embrace the planned name change, describing it as an opportunity to rebrand the country and better position Ghana on the international stage.
He argued that naming the facility Accra International Airport strengthens Ghana’s national identity and makes the country more recognisable globally.
“If it is Accra International Airport, there is nothing wrong with it. We need an airport that reflects our national identity. If you are outside the country and someone mentions Accra International Airport, you do not struggle to locate it,” he said.
He further commended the government for taking steps to address what he described as a long-standing historical and symbolic concern, while calling on critics, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to engage the issue objectively.
“This is not about political undertones. Apart from the need to rebrand the country, there is also the realisation that the 1966 coup caused this country significant harm. To continue having that name on our main gateway is a constant reminder of the havoc it caused,” he stated.
