The government has announced plans to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport, subject to parliamentary approval.
The announcement was made during a leadership media briefing ahead of the resumption of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, disclosed that the proposed change would be effected through legislation to be introduced by the Minister for Transport.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport for the name to be changed,” Mr Ayariga stated.
The proposed renaming follows long-standing calls from sections of the public and civil society groups who argue that the current name does not reflect Ghana’s democratic values. Critics contend that naming the airport after General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka—a key figure in the 1966 coup d’état that overthrew Ghana’s first government—remains controversial.
According to the Majority Leader, the renaming initiative forms part of broader legislative priorities expected to be presented when Parliament resumes.
He further indicated that the Minister for Transport will also lay several other bills before the House, including the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill, which are expected to address the legalisation and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations, commonly known as okada.
“The Minister for Transport will bring the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill to deal with the legalisation of okada riding and their operations. He will also bring the Ghana Shippers Council Regulation Bill,” Mr Ayariga added.
The proposed bills are expected to generate significant debate as Parliament begins deliberations for the new session.
Source: citinews
