Transport Minister Links Airport Name Change to Ghana’s Independence and African Identity

By Joyce Akosua Ayine

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has defended the government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport back to Accra International Airport, describing the move as a reflection of the capital city’s historical significance and its role in Ghana’s struggle for independence.

Speaking at the State Transport Company (STC) on Thursday, the Minister emphasised that the decision is not politically motivated, but rather aims to restore the airport’s original identity and celebrate Accra as the nation’s capital. “We are not doing this with any political thinking. We are coming from a very neutral point of view that Accra is our capital city. It is not anybody’s name,” he said.

Minister Nikpe highlighted the airport’s historical importance, explaining that the city of Accra played a central role in Ghana’s independence movement and in shaping the African identity. “We have all accepted that Accra is our capital city. Everybody, especially in the West Africa sub-region, knows that the struggle for independence had a lot to do with Accra,” he stated. He added that renaming the airport would reinforce the city’s symbolic value as the cradle of the nation’s freedom.

The Transport Minister further tied the proposal to broader national and continental significance. “Renaming the airport to Accra International Airport is of significant importance to the Ghanaian people and, for that matter, the African personality,” he said, noting that the move reflects Ghana’s contributions to pan-Africanism and the continent’s shared heritage.

He also pointed out that the renaming is part of the government’s legislative agenda and will require parliamentary approval. “Parliament will be expected to pass a lot of bills, and as part of the government’s agenda, one of them is the renaming of the Kotoka International Airport to its original name,” he said, urging Ghanaians to see the move as a tribute to history rather than a political act.

Minister Nikpe concluded that the proposal is meant to celebrate Ghana’s past, highlight Accra’s central role in the country’s independence, and strengthen national and African identity, positioning the airport as more than just a transport hub, but a symbol of pride for the nation and the continent.