Ghana Renames Kotoka Airport to Accra International Airport

The Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport (ACC) to its original name, Accra International Airport. The change, announced by the Ministry of Transport in a press release dated February 23, 2026, restores the name the facility held prior to 1969.

According to the Ministry's announcement, the decision was made to restore the airport to its "former and internationally recognised name." The government has emphasized that the name change will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. Critically for airlines and global distribution systems, the airport's internationally recognized three-letter code, ACC, remains unchanged within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The transition will involve a systematic update of official documentation, airport signage, digital platforms, and other communication materials.

Historical Context of the Name

The airport was originally known as Accra International Airport upon its establishment. In 1969, it was renamed by the then-ruling military government, the National Liberation Council (NLC), in honor of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka. The renaming was formalized under the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969.

Lt. Gen. Kotoka was a principal figure in the 24th February 1966 military coup that overthrew Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He became a member of the ruling NLC following the coup. On April 17, 1967, Kotoka was killed during an abortive counter-coup attempt at a location that is now the forecourt of the airport. The decision to name the nation's primary international gateway after him was intended to memorialize him as a national hero.

However, the naming has been a subject of public and political debate in Ghana for decades. The legacy of the 1966 coup and its leaders remains a divisive topic. Proponents of the renaming often viewed Kotoka as a liberator who ended an increasingly authoritarian regime, while opponents saw him as a traitor who overthrew a legitimate, pan-Africanist leader. This recent decision to revert to the original name reflects a contemporary re-evaluation of historical figures and events from Ghana's post-colonial history.

Operational and Industry Impact

From an operational standpoint, the impact of the name change is expected to be minimal. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the country's aviation regulator, will oversee the transition to ensure all technical and safety standards are maintained. The continuity of the 'ACC' airport code is the most significant factor for the global aviation industry, preventing any disruption to ticketing, flight planning, and air traffic control systems.

The primary tasks will be logistical, managed by the airport operator and the Ministry of Transport. This includes replacing extensive physical signage throughout the airport terminals and on approach roads, updating websites and mobile applications, and amending official government and aviation publications. International aviation bodies and foreign governments will also need to update their records, though the process is largely administrative.

What Comes Next

The Ministry of Transport has called upon the public, stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate with authorities to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. While a specific timeline for the full replacement of all branded materials was not disclosed, the process will be implemented systematically. Airlines operating to Accra will need to update their internal systems and passenger-facing information to reflect the new name, Accra International Airport.

This move is part of a broader, informal trend in some post-colonial nations to reconsider place names associated with controversial historical periods, particularly military rule or colonial administration. The decision in Ghana may serve as a precedent for other national assets whose names are tied to contentious historical legacies.

Why This Matters

This renaming is more than a superficial change; it signifies a deliberate shift in Ghana's national narrative and how it memorializes its complex political past. For the aviation industry, while the operational impact is negligible due to the stable 'ACC' identifier, it serves as a crucial reminder that major infrastructure is often intertwined with national identity and politics. The decision underscores the importance for airlines and global travel partners to monitor such political developments, which can affect branding and passenger communications even when core operations remain stable.

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