Oppose Renaming of Kotoka International Airport – NDPC Commissioner to Voltarians
Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Volta Regional Commissioner to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has appealed to chiefs, the Volta Caucus in Parliament and residents of the Volta Region to oppose the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had earlier made the announcement while addressing journalists ahead of the first sitting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, indicating that a bill would be laid before the House in accordance with laid-down procedures. He explained that the move was part of efforts to align public institutions with Ghana’s democratic values and national identity.
In a statement, Dr Apetorgbor described the proposal, said to have been initiated by the Majority Leader through the Ministry of Transport, as a “misplaced policy priority” lacking economic, operational, or strategic justification.
He stressed that airports are not merely symbolic landmarks but critical economic infrastructure whose value depends on efficiency, safety, connectivity, cargo capacity and their ability to attract airlines, trade, tourism, and investment.
According to him, a change in name offers no measurable economic benefit to the country.
Dr Apetorgbor noted that globally, airports are often named after prominent personalities to reflect national history, identity and purpose, rather than as cosmetic or symbolic exercises.
He cautioned that renaming Kotoka International Airport would consume parliamentary time, administrative effort, and public funds that could be better directed towards pressing national needs, such as improving aviation safety systems, enhancing passenger experience and strengthening cargo handling capacity.
The NDPC Commissioner therefore called on the Volta Caucus in Parliament, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Volta-based diaspora groups and citizens of the region to resist the move.
He further urged Ghanaians across the country to demand policy discipline and economic focus from government.
“National development is driven by performance, competitiveness, and results, not by changes in designation,” he stated, adding that Ghana must remain focused on economic recovery and sustainable growth rather than what he described as unnecessary distractions.
