Prof Kwaku Azar Criticises Proposed Renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport
Renowned legal scholar and governance advocate Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare (popularly known as Kwaku Azar) has strongly questioned the wisdom, cost and national benefit of the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that the government intends to present a bill to Parliament to change the name of Ghana’s principal international airport. The proposed renaming is intended to honour the indigenes of Accra who provided land for the facility’s construction.
While some Ghanaians have welcomed the symbolic gesture, Prof Asare, in a Facebook post on the same day, described the move as unwarranted, costly and a distraction from more pressing national priorities.
“Renaming KIA now would incur significant administrative, financial, and symbolic costs without improving operational efficiency, safety, or economic growth,” he wrote.
He argued that the airport’s current name is deeply embedded in global aviation systems, including:
International treaties and ICAO documentation
Airline booking systems and route maps
Digital platforms, GPS databases and travel search engines
Existing signage, branding materials and marketing collateral worldwide
Changing the name, he said, would require expensive and time-consuming updates across all these systems, alongside a major domestic rebranding campaign.
“Kotoka International Airport is already recognised globally. Stability and predictability are assets in aviation. Changing its name now risks confusion and unnecessary costs, with no measurable benefit to the country,” Prof Asare stated.
He warned that diverting financial resources and institutional attention to symbolic changes could weaken focus on urgent priorities, such as:
Improving passenger experience and terminal facilities
Upgrading cargo handling capacity
Enhancing aviation safety systems
Addressing operational bottlenecks at the airport
“Every Cedi and every unit of institutional focus devoted to symbolic changes diverts attention from these real needs,” he added.
Prof Asare called on policymakers to carefully weigh the economic and operational costs against any perceived symbolic gains before proceeding.
“While the intent may be symbolic, the practical consequences are real. Policymakers must weigh the economic and operational costs before pursuing such initiatives.”
The proposal is expected to generate significant public and parliamentary debate once a formal bill is laid before the House.
