Kwaku Darko Ankrah, a renowned historian, has recently voiced strong support for the removal of Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka’s name from Ghana’s international airport. Speaking at a press conference and during an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, Ankrah argued that retaining the name of Kotoka not only glorifies a controversial military figure but also tacitly endorses the coup d’etat he led in 1966. This coup resulted in the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, an act that many believe contradicts the nation’s democratic principles and the values enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

The call for change has gained further momentum following a lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court by Democracy Hub and the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The legal action seeks to have Kotoka’s name removed from the airport, asserting that the current designation serves as an implicit approval of a historically disruptive and unconstitutional event. In a statement issued on February 24, 2025, Democracy Hub argued that maintaining the name “Kotoka” effectively sanctions the coup d’etat, an act that undermines the ideals of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance that Ghana has been striving to uphold.

Ankrah emphasized that national landmarks should serve as symbols of positive national achievements and honor individuals who have made constructive contributions to the nation’s progress. “Landmarks are named after state figures who have truly advanced our nation,” he explained. “When a monument bears someone’s name, it is a reflection of their contributions. The continued commemoration of Kotoka, despite his association with a coup, sends the wrong message about what our nation stands for.” He further criticized successive governments for their reluctance to address this historical oversight, noting that changing the name of the airport is not merely a cosmetic alteration, but a necessary step in reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to democratic values and historical accuracy.

The controversy over Kotoka’s legacy has sparked a wider debate about how history is commemorated in public spaces. Critics argue that naming such a prominent national landmark after a figure associated with an unconstitutional overthrow of a democratically elected leader not only distorts historical narratives but also risks normalizing military intervention in politics. Proponents of renaming contend that a new name would better reflect the nation’s aspirations and its dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and good governance.

The debate over the airport’s name is more than a matter of semantics it is a reflection of the broader struggle between honoring past achievements and confronting historical injustices. As Ghana continues to evolve politically and socially, the discussion initiated by figures like Ankrah and organizations like Democracy Hub underscores the importance of critically examining historical legacies and ensuring that national symbols truly represent the values of the modern state.