The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, has criticised the government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA), describing the move as an “indictment” on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a betrayal of regional pride.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Afenyo‑Markin questioned the rationale behind the proposed change, arguing that the airport’s current name already reflects the identity of the capital while preserving historical recognition.
“All these years we’ve had General Kotoka’s name on the airport, and suddenly it’s been changed. What is it?” he asked, insisting that the existing name should remain.
Afenyo‑Markin also suggested the decision unfairly targets recognition of a prominent figure from the Volta Region, noting that the airport has been one of the few national assets highlighting Voltarian contribution without previous controversy.
“If you come to Accra or even across the country, how many prominent Voltarians have their names on national assets or monuments? 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,” he said.
Afenyo‑Markin also criticised the silence of some government officials from the Volta Region, accusing them of failing to defend local interests as the name change proposal advances.
His comments followed an announcement by the Majority Leader that a bill to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport will be presented in Parliament as part of the Transport Ministry’s legislative agenda.
