Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a strong objection to the government’s proposal to change the name of Kotoka International Airport, arguing that the plan dismisses historical significance and weakens regional representation.
The Effutu Member of Parliament criticised the governing National Democratic Congress, describing the intended renaming as unnecessary and politically motivated. Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, he maintained that the airport’s existing name already reflects both geographical and historical identity.
“All these years we’ve had General Kotoka’s name on the airport, and suddenly it’s been changed. What is it?” he asked.
“After all, the name is Kotoka International Airport, comma Accra. Accra is already there, so there is no need to remove Kotoka’s name.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin further framed the issue as one with regional implications, suggesting that removing the name would erase one of the few national recognitions tied to the Volta Region. He pointed out that previous administrations had preserved the name without controversy, which he said makes the current proposal difficult to justify.
“If you come to Accra or even across the country, how many prominent Voltarians have their names on national assets or monuments?” he queried.
“This is the only thing the people of the Volta Region can point to as recognising heroism from the area, and even that is being taken away.”
The Minority Leader also criticised what he described as the lack of resistance from senior government officials who hail from the Volta Region. He argued that their silence allows the proposal to move forward without sufficient scrutiny.
He mentioned figures including Kwame Agbodza, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Fifi Kwetey, Bernard Ahiafor and Governs Kwame Agbodza, suggesting that their roles in government heighten concerns about the decision.
“They are all sitting down watching the government take away a Voltarian’s name, which has been given to our airport. At this time and age, they are in government and watching the Volta Region lose its pride. It is up to them,” he said in a JoyNews video.
His remarks come in response to a recent disclosure by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who indicated that authorities intend to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport. According to Mr Ayariga, the proposal is part of a broader initiative aimed at aligning public institutions with Ghana’s democratic values and modern national identity.
