Airport Name Change: Stephen Odarteifio Backs Dropping ‘Kotoka’ in Honour of Nkrumah

Political commentator and activist Stephen Odarteifio who petitioned the government to change the name of Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport has expressed his satisfaction on current development of renaming describing the ongoing debate as largely positive and long overdue.

According to him, although his personal preference would have been naming the facility after Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah from the onset, the current push to drop the name “Kotoka” represents a step in the right direction.

In an interview with Kojo Preko Dankwa on “Kessben Maakye” today Thursday February 5, 2026,

he argued that Nkrumah himself upgraded the airport to international standards but chose not to name it after himself, instead calling it Accra International Airport.

“The outcome is very satisfactory and a win for Ghana,” he stated, adding that restoring the name Accra International Airport would be historically justifiable, since Nkrumah was a founding president who embodied Ghana’s independence and national pride.

He further challenged arguments put forward by some politicians, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who contend that renaming the airport could divide the country. Odarteifio dismissed such claims, insisting that national monuments should reflect values and figures that unify the nation rather than glorify controversial historical actors.

“If Kotoka and his allies were the poster boys to external forces like CIA’s in overthrowing a sitting government , then their actions were trisonable and must be honoured with monuments at our front doors,” he said, stressing that symbolism matters in shaping national identity.

Responding to claims that the campaign is driven by ideological loyalty to Nkrumahism, Odartey Fiɔ clarified that he does not push any agenda that does not positively impact Ghana. He emphasized that the most just cause Nkrumah stood for was “self-government now,” and that advocating the removal of Kotoka’s name aligns with that legacy.

He also revealed that members of Dr. Nkrumah’s family, including Samia Nkrumah, and Mr. Kwasi Pratt Jnr., Johnson Asiedu Nketia as well as Kwaku Sintim Misa have expressed concerns over how Nkrumah and his family were treated following the 1966 coup.

Odartey Fiɔ said he deliberately framed his arguments in a constructive and non-confrontational manner to capture the attention of the presidency and appeal to the conscience of the nation.

“In truth, we are all Nkrumahists, whether we like it or not,” he remarked, explaining that Ghana’s independence story continues to inspire Ghanaians and members of the diaspora who visit the country.

Drawing a comparison with nations who have honoured their leaders in attaining independence, he cited the United States’ George Washington, arguing that if Nkrumah indeed led Ghana to independence, then he deserves equivalent national honour.

He concluded by asserting that Hon. Afenyo-Markin is central to the renewed push to rename the airport, describing him as a historian, a committed politician, and someone who deeply cares about Ghana’s progress.