Political historian at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Prof. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, has expressed support for the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport.
He explained that the nation’s largest airport should honour individuals who inspire unity and reflect Ghana’s democratic values.
In an interview with JoyNews, Prof. Adu-Gyamfi emphasised that naming public institutions is not merely symbolic but also reflects history, culture, and societal ideals.
“Ghana’s biggest international airport must be given a befitting name. It must be absorbed by history and posterity. I do not think that General’ Kotoka’s name represents history, traditions and culture in its best form,” he said.
The historian noted that while General Emmanuel Kotoka was a respected soldier, his role in the 1966 coup that toppled Ghana’s first Republic makes the continued celebration of his name divisive.
“We should not continue celebrating coup d’états in Ghana. General Kotoka’s act served as a detriment to our democratic culture,” he added.
Prof. Adu-Gyamfi suggested that alternatives could include Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, or notable figures from the Ga community, whose contributions to local traditions, culture, and development could inspire future generations.
He also pointed to examples in South Africa, where airports are named after historical figures who played transformative roles in the nation’s history, stressing that Ghana should adopt a similar approach.
“Such naming should reflect heroes and heroines whose legacy unites rather than divides.”
About the Author
