The government has announced plans to rename Ghana’s international airport, changing it from Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport. The announcement was made during a leadership media briefing ahead of the resumption of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explained that the name change would be implemented through legislation introduced by the Minister for Transport.
“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to effect this change,” he said.
The proposed renaming follows years of advocacy from the public and civil society groups, who argue that the current name does not reflect Ghana’s democratic values, as it honours General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that overthrew the country’s first government.
Mr. Ayariga noted that the airport renaming is part of broader legislative priorities expected when Parliament resumes. He added that the Minister for Transport will also present several other bills, including the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill, which aim to regulate and legalize commercial motorcycle operations (okada).
“The Minister for Transport will bring the Maritime Offences Bill and the Road Traffic Bill to address the legalization and regulation of okada operations. He will also present the Ghana Shippers Council Regulation Bill,” the Majority Leader said.
Parliament is expected to debate the proposed airport name change and the accompanying transport-related bills during the new session.
