Government has defended its decision to revert Kotoka International Airport to its original name, Accra International Airport (AIA), insisting that no parliamentary legislation was required to effect the change.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the renaming was executed through an executive order on February 24, 2026, and was legally sufficient. He explained that the 1969 National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD 309), which established a trust in honour of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and led to the airport being named after him, did not involve a legislative instrument specifically operationalising the renaming.
According to the Minister, the original intent of the decree was to set up a trust to support the families of soldiers killed during that period, and the airport’s renaming was a symbolic decision rather than one backed by a distinct Act of Parliament.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport, government said the reversion restores the airport to its “former and internationally recognised name,” noting that it was originally known as Accra International Airport before being redesignated.
The Ministry further assured that the change would not affect airport operations, safety standards or international travel arrangements. It emphasised that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airport code “ACC” remains unchanged, maintaining continuity within global aviation systems.
Authorities indicated that implementation will involve updates to official documentation, signage, digital platforms and aviation publications, and called on stakeholders and international partners to cooperate to ensure a smooth transition.