As Ghana prepares to welcome a new administration led by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, it is imperative to reflect on the legacy we project to the world. One pressing issue that demands attention, in my view, is the renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport. This change would honor Ghana’s founding president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and reaffirm the values of unity, progress, and freedom that he stood for.
The current name, Kotoka International Airport, commemorates Lt. General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, who played a central role in the 1966 coup that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s democratically elected government. While Kotoka may have served in Ghana’s military, associating the country’s primary gateway to the world with a figure tied to political instability contradicts the democratic ideals we cherish today.
Airports are more than travel hubs; they are symbols of national identity and pride. Naming our international airport after a coup leader undermines the democratic aspirations of our nation and sends the wrong message to both citizens and visitors. It is time to correct this historical oversight.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was more than Ghana’s first president—he was the architect of independence, a Pan-African visionary, and a global advocate for freedom and justice. Under his leadership, Ghana became the first African nation to break free from colonial rule, igniting independence movements across the continent. His vision for industrialization, education, and economic self-sufficiency laid the groundwork for modern Ghana.
Renaming the airport after Nkrumah would not only celebrate his monumental contributions but also reinforce Ghana’s place as the beacon of African independence. Visitors arriving in the country would immediately be reminded of Ghana’s proud history and the enduring legacy of its founding father.
An airport named after Kwame Nkrumah would stand as a welcoming monument of unity and purpose. It would tell the world that Ghana honors its heroes who fought for freedom and development rather than those associated with disruption and division. It would also inspire future generations to value leadership, vision, and sacrifice in service to the nation.
This renaming would serve as a powerful statement—one that aligns Ghana with its proud history and aspirations for the future. It would transform the first impression of Ghana into one that exudes pride, hope, and reverence for the principles of justice and equality.
As Ghana steps into a new chapter under the leadership of John Mahama, the time is ripe to reevaluate the symbols and narratives we preserve. Renaming Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport is not just about changing a name; it is about realigning our national identity with the ideals that define us. It is about honoring a man who gave his life to the struggle for independence and the unity of Africa.
Let Kwame Nkrumah’s name welcome Ghanaians home and greet visitors with the spirit of freedom and leadership that built this great nation. The time for this change is now, and I cannot wait to fly into the sprawling city of Accra in the future to the warm embrace and welcome of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah!
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