Gov’t to Rename Kotoka International Airport Back to Accra International Airport
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to rename the Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport, as part of broader reforms in Ghana’s aviation sector.
Speaking on the policy direction, during the 2026 State of the Nation’s Address in parliament on Friday, February 27, the President stated that even though NLC Decree 129 was passed, no effort was done to effect the clause in the degree that says the airport should be named after Kotoka. He explained that restoring the original name reflects a move toward institutional clarity and historical accuracy.
According to him, the decision is not only symbolic but also aimed at repositioning Ghana’s main international gateway within a modern and efficient aviation framework.
In addition to the renaming, government will undertake significant infrastructure improvements at the airport, particularly focusing on Terminal 2. The President announced that Terminal 2 will be remodelled into a dual-purpose facility to handle both domestic and international flights.
The move is expected to improve operational efficiency, ease congestion, and optimise the use of existing airport infrastructure.
“This remodelling will allow us to maximise capacity and improve passenger experience while ensuring that our airport operations meet international standards,” he indicated.
Currently, airport operations are segmented, with different terminals serving distinct categories of flights. The planned upgrade will introduce more flexibility into the system, enabling better traffic management and reducing pressure on other terminals, especially during peak travel periods.
The President emphasised that the aviation sector remains a critical component of Ghana’s economic development strategy, particularly in supporting tourism, trade, and investment flows.
He noted that improving airport infrastructure and operations aligns with government’s broader vision of enhancing connectivity and positioning Ghana as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
Industry observers say the dual-use terminal concept could significantly reduce turnaround times for airlines and improve overall service delivery if efficiently implemented.
The renaming of the airport, coupled with the planned infrastructure upgrade, signals a shift toward both administrative reforms and practical improvements within the aviation space.
President Mahama reiterated government’s commitment to modernising key national infrastructure while ensuring that such reforms are grounded in legal clarity, operational efficiency, and long-term economic impact
