Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has shared his perspective on the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, stressing that any such move must have clear national justification.
The award-winning musician stated that the proposal is not entirely unprecedented. “It used to be called Accra International Airport anyway, so when the name goes back, for whatever reason, I would believe that the reasons are clear, the reasons are politically accurate, and are very nationalistic—I would believe so,” he said during an interview at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue in Accra on Wednesday, February 4.
Stonebwoy emphasized that the renaming should deliver tangible benefits and enhance Ghana’s image abroad. “But should this change and it doesn’t reflect any upliftment, then I think I wouldn’t side with that. But if it’s going to reflect upliftment and uplift a positive narrative about this nation, I’m for that.”
He also highlighted a personal link to the airport’s current namesake, General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, who hails from his hometown of Alakple. Stonebwoy acknowledged the complex historical legacy associated with the late general, particularly his involvement in the 1966 coup against Kwame Nkrumah. “Kotoka is actually from my hometown. I’m from Alakple. Anybody who knows the right history knows that General Kotoka comes from Alakple, my actual hometown. And history will tell us how he participated in the coup d’état that would have dethroned Kwame Nkrumah. So that’s the narrative that has been tagged around him for the name change of the airport.”
While some argue that General Kotoka’s legacy may not align with ideals the nation should celebrate, Stonebwoy called for a nuanced view. “So there’s a school of thought that insists that he does not represent a good statue for the state. I think that is the reason. I don’t want to dig into it too much because I don’t believe that one human being can be so evil all his life. There must be some good aspects. So, the fact that he got to be named after the airport may be because of his good deeds. You know what I’m saying? So if it has to be changed, then let it be changed for another good reason.”
His reflections contribute to the ongoing national discussion over the proposed renaming, which has stirred debates about history, identity, and the symbolism tied to Ghana’s main international gateway.
Watch his remarks below.
