Renowned legal scholar and governance advocate, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, widely known as Kwaku Azar, has expressed concern over the financial, logistical, and policy implications of the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport, questioning whether the move would offer any meaningful benefit to the nation.
Prof. Asare noted that the airport’s current name is deeply integrated into global aviation systems, international agreements, maps, branding, and digital platforms, making any change both complex and costly.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that the government was considering plans to rename Ghana’s primary international airport in recognition of the indigenous people of Accra who provided land for its construction.
Although the proposal has received support from sections of the public, Prof. Asare described it in a Facebook post on the same day as unnecessary and a diversion from more urgent national concerns.
“Renaming KIA at this time would result in substantial administrative, financial, and symbolic costs without enhancing operational efficiency, safety, or economic growth,” he said, emphasizing the airport’s strategic role as a regional aviation hub.
He argued that dedicating limited resources and institutional attention to symbolic actions, such as renaming an international airport, detracts from critical priorities including improving passenger experience, cargo operations, and aviation safety infrastructure.
According to Prof. Asare, Kotoka International Airport already enjoys strong global recognition, and stability and consistency are essential assets in the aviation sector. He warned that altering the name could lead to confusion and unnecessary expenditure without delivering measurable national gains.
He further cautioned that prioritizing cosmetic changes over substantive operational and economic reforms could weaken public trust in policymaking.
Prof. Asare also pointed out that renaming the airport would necessitate extensive updates to aviation databases, airline systems, legal documentation, maps, signage, and digital platforms, alongside a comprehensive rebranding exercise.
“While the intention may be symbolic, the practical implications are significant. Policymakers must carefully consider the economic and operational costs before embarking on such initiatives,” he added.
