kotokAnti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has called on the government to rename the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) after Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, arguing that national monuments should honour leaders who laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence and development.
Speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, July 16, Mr. Azeem stated that continuing to name a major national asset after Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that overthrew Nkrumah’s government, is historically and morally misplaced.
“We need to name important state institutions and assets after people who have contributed significantly to Ghana’s development. That is why I suggest renaming the airport after Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.
Azeem noted that his proposal aligns with growing calls for such a change, including remarks made by Cardinal Peter Turkson, who recently questioned Ghana’s tradition of honouring individuals associated with the dismantling of democratic governments.
He believes the renaming would be a straightforward legislative process, particularly under a parliamentary majority, and serve as a long-overdue tribute to Nkrumah’s legacy.
“Nkrumah’s influence shaped not just Ghana but inspired liberation movements across Africa. We have countries like Kenya and Tanzania naming their international airports after leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Julius Nyerere, both of whom admired Nkrumah. Why should Ghana be any different?” Azeem questioned.
He added that the current naming of the airport does not reflect the ideals of a democratic Ghana and called for national reflection.
“How many Ghanaians today even recall the 1966 coup, except that it disrupted Nkrumah’s visionary development plans? This is a matter of historical justice.”
Lt-Gen Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka played a leading role in the 1966 military coup that deposed Nkrumah while he was on an international mission. Following the coup, Kotoka was promoted to Major General and became a member of the National Liberation Council (NLC), also serving as Commissioner for Health and General Officer Commanding of the Ghana Armed Forces.
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Kotoka was killed during a counter-coup attempt on April 17, 1967, and the then Ghana International Airport was later renamed Kotoka International Airport in his honour.
Mr. Azeem’s call adds to a broader national conversation about how Ghana memorialises its history—and who is deemed worthy of such honours.
