Government Restores Kotoka International Airport To Its Original Name

The Government of Ghana has officially renamed Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, marking a significant shift in the identity of the country’s main aviation hub.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Transport, which indicated that the decision forms part of efforts to restore the airport’s original name and reinforce its geographical identity. The airport, located in the capital city of Accra, had previously borne the name Accra International Airport before it was renamed in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in Ghana’s 1966 military coup.

Press Release 

According to officials, the reversion aligns the airport’s branding more closely with international aviation standards and its globally recognised IATA code, ACC. Authorities say the change is intended to streamline identification, particularly for international travellers and aviation stakeholders, while reflecting the airport’s status as Ghana’s primary gateway to the world.

The renaming has sparked public conversation, with some citizens welcoming the restoration of the original name as a neutral and location-based identity, while others have raised concerns about preserving historical memory tied to national figures.

Kotoka now Accra International Airport, remains Ghana’s busiest airport, serving millions of passengers annually and acting as a major hub for regional and international flights. The facility has undergone significant expansion in recent years, including the commissioning of Terminal 3, positioning it as one of West Africa’s most modern aviation centres.

Further details regarding implementation timelines, rebranding logistics and updates to official documentation are expected to be communicated by authorities in the coming weeks.

As the country adjusts to the change, the development marks another notable chapter in Ghana’s evolving aviation and national narrative.