Story by Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - A group of concerned citizens, led by Steven Odarteifio, has launched an advocacy campaign to rename the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) after Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Speaking at the launch, Odarteifio argued that the current name of the airport is a contradiction, as it honors a man who was involved in the overthrow of Nkrumah, the country's founding father. He emphasized that the airport's name should reflect Ghana's values and independence story, rather than a figure associated with unconstitutional seizure of power.
"Kotoka International Airport is not a name we should be proud to project," Odarteifio said. "We can teach the story of Kotoka in our schools, but the sign at our front door must represent what unites us, what uplifts us, and what we are proud to project."
The advocacy group is calling on Parliament to pass a bill renaming the airport Kwame Nkrumah International Airport, citing the need to honor Ghana's founding father and promote national unity.
The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the Democracy Hub. The group plans to submit a formal request to the Speaker of Parliament and other government officials, urging them to support the renaming initiative.
