NDC to Review Renaming of Tamale Airport from Yakubu Tali to Gbewaa – Hamza Suhuyini
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) intends to reconsider the current name of Tamale International Airport, currently known as Yakubu Tali International Airport, a member of the party’s communications team has disclosed.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Hamza Suhuyini explained that the NDC had originally proposed naming the facility Gbewaa International Airport — a name reflecting the shared ancestral heritage of the people of the Northern, North East, and Upper East Regions.
He noted that the then Akufo-Addo-led government instead chose to name the airport after Yakubu Tali, described as a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a sub-chief of the Ya Naa.
“The NPP named the Tamale airport after one of its foundational members, Yakubu Tali, who is a sub-chief of the Ya Naa. We argued then that if the renaming was truly to honour the people of the North, it would have been better to name it Gbewaa International Airport, because people from the Northern, North East, and Upper East Regions all identify with Gbewaa as a common ancestor,” he said.
Mr Suhuyini confirmed that the NDC administration is now reviewing the name.
“They ignored our proposal and went ahead to name it Yakubu Tali International Airport. That particular name is also under review, so you can be rest assured,” he added.
The statement follows the recent announcement by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that the government plans to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
The proposed changes to both major airports are expected to spark debate on national identity, historical recognition, regional unity and the symbolism of public infrastructure names. Further details on the review process and timeline have not yet been provided.
