Renaming Kotoka Airport: Long Overdue, Says UP’s Solomon Owusu

The debate over renaming Ghana’s main international gateway has reignited, with the United Party’s Communications Director Solomon Owusu voicing strong support for the change. His comments follow Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s announcement that the government intends to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.

A Symbol of National Identity

The Power of Names in National Branding

Solomon Owusu emphasized that naming major national infrastructure carries profound symbolic weight and significantly influences how a country is perceived by international visitors. During his appearance on the *PleasureNews AM Show*, he stated unequivocally that the renaming is “very simple” and “long overdue.”

“When I travel anywhere in this world, the very first thing I do is research the names given to places,” Owusu explained. “Names have meaning. They tell stories about who we are and what we value as a nation.”

African Examples of Meaningful Airport Names

The UP Communications Director pointed to several African examples where airport names honor national heroes and historical struggles:

– **O.R. Tambo International Airport** in South Africa commemorates Oliver Reginald Tambo, a key anti-apartheid revolutionary
– **Murtala Muhammed International Airport** in Nigeria honors a leader who fought against military dictatorship
– **Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport** pays tribute to Nigeria’s first president and a prominent nationalist figure

“These names give immediate insight into the country’s history and values,” Owusu noted. “When you hear these names, you understand the struggles these nations have overcome and the figures they hold in high esteem.”

The Ghana Context: A Contradiction in Values

The Kotoka-Nkrumah Paradox

Owusu highlighted what he sees as a fundamental contradiction in Ghana’s approach to honoring national heroes. While Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and a pan-African icon, is celebrated globally and featured prominently in museums worldwide, the country’s main airport bears the name of someone primarily known for overthrowing Nkrumah’s government.

“When we come to Ghana, our first point of call bears the name Kotoka International Airport,” Owusu stated. “If the world recognizes the importance of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in affairs of humanity, governance, and politics—and we have been eulogizing him—then you come to Ghana and the first name you hear is Kotoka.”

He argued that this creates a confusing message for tourists and the international community. “Someone who is a tourist goes to research about Kotoka, and the only achievement that stands out is that he was successfully able to overthrow Kwame Nkrumah,” Owusu explained. “Then, what sort of country are we? What are we preaching about? That in one breath, you see Nkrumah as your hero. In another breath, you see the one who overthrew him also as a hero. It does not work.”

Historical Context and Previous Controversies

The Ohene Djan Stadium Precedent

Owusu drew parallels to previous naming controversies in Ghana, particularly the renaming of Accra’s first stadium. Originally named after Ohene Djan, described as “a colossus when it came to Ghana football and sports,” the stadium was later renamed based on arguments about geographical and ethnic considerations.

“That was wrong,” Owusu asserted. “In the past, Ohene Gyan—I heard one of the communicators say that because we are in Ga land, it has to be Ga. But Ohene Gyan was a towering figure in Ghanaian sports. Arguments based purely on locality led to the reversal of that decision, and that was a mistake.”

The United Party’s Position

While clarifying that the United Party has not formally met to discuss the Kotoka renaming decision, Owusu personally supports the move but disagrees with some of the reasoning being presented.

“The UP party, as a matter of fact, has not met on Kotoka’s decision,” he noted. “From my point of view, I believe that it is worth it. Let me add that it is the reasons being assigned that I don’t like.”

He specifically rejected arguments based purely on geography or ethnic considerations. “That the land is for Accra, so it has to be Accra. No,” he said firmly.

The Case for Renaming: A Matter of National Pride

Consistency in Honoring National Heroes

Owusu’s central argument focuses on the need for consistency in how Ghana honors its heroes. He believes the airport should have been renamed long ago and sees the current proposal as a positive step, albeit overdue.

“I believe that immediately, that name should have been off our radar long ago, and if they are doing it today, I have no problem,” he stated. “We need to honor those who have contributed immensely to our body politic and reward them as such.”

The International Perception Factor

The Communications Director emphasized that first impressions matter significantly in international relations and tourism. As the primary gateway for visitors entering Ghana, the airport’s name sends a powerful message about national values and priorities.

“When tourists arrive in Ghana, the first thing they see and hear is the airport name,” Owusu explained. “This name should reflect what Ghana stands for today, not historical divisions or conflicts that we have moved beyond.”

Practical Implications and Considerations

Economic and Tourism Impact

While not explicitly discussed by Owusu, the renaming of major infrastructure often has practical implications for tourism marketing and national branding. A name that better reflects contemporary Ghana’s values and aspirations could enhance the country’s appeal to international visitors.

Implementation Challenges

Any renaming process involves logistical considerations, including updating signage, documentation, and international databases. However, these practical challenges are typically manageable compared to the symbolic importance of such decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the renaming considered “long overdue”?

The renaming is considered long overdue because Ghana has evolved significantly since the airport was originally named, and the country’s primary international gateway should reflect current national values and priorities rather than historical conflicts.

What are the main arguments against keeping the Kotoka name?

The primary arguments include the contradiction between celebrating Nkrumah globally while naming the main airport after his overthrower, the lack of significant achievements associated with Kotoka beyond the coup, and the need for consistency in national hero recognition.

Will this renaming affect airport operations?

The renaming itself is primarily symbolic and administrative. While it requires updates to signage, documentation, and databases, it should not affect the airport’s operational capabilities or services.

What alternative names have been suggested?

While Solomon Owusu didn’t propose specific alternatives, the discussion has centered around names that better reflect Ghana’s contemporary values and national heroes, with some suggesting names honoring Nkrumah or other unifying figures.

How have other African countries handled similar naming decisions?

Many African countries have renamed airports and other major infrastructure to honor anti-colonial leaders, independence heroes, and figures who represent national unity and progress, following similar reasoning to what Owusu presents.

Conclusion

Solomon Owusu’s comments on the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport highlight a broader conversation about national identity, historical memory, and the symbols that represent a country to the world. His argument centers on the need for consistency in honoring national heroes and ensuring that Ghana’s primary international gateway reflects the values and aspirations of contemporary Ghanaian society.

The debate touches on fundamental questions about how nations choose to remember their past while projecting their identity to the global community. As Ghana continues to develop its international profile and attract visitors from around the world, decisions about national symbols and infrastructure naming carry significant weight.

Whether the government proceeds with the renaming or not, the discussion initiated by figures like Solomon Owusu serves an important function in prompting national reflection on values, history, and identity. The ultimate decision will likely balance historical considerations, practical concerns, and the desire to present a unified national narrative to the world.