A GNA Feature by Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – A nation’s main international airport is more than an aviation facility or a transit point for passengers; it is a country’s handshake with the world.
It is the first physical and psychological encounter visitors have with a destination, and the name it bears often communicates history, identity and national values.
Every day, thousands of travelers pass through Kotoka International Airport in Accra, forming first impressions that shape how the nation is perceived globally.
From its name and architecture to the stories it tells, an international airport functions as a powerful symbol of national identity, values and historical memory.
Across the world, countries deliberately use their principal airports to project their most cherished ideals and honour figures whose legacies resonate internationally.
It is within this context that Mr Emmanuel Frimpong, a Tourism Consultant and Analyst is advocating the renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport, Accra.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, he said such a move would better align Ghana’s most prominent gateway with the ideals of freedom, Pan-Africanism, and democratic self-determination upon which the nation was founded.
He said it would also be a strategic move that could significantly boost tourism while reinforcing Ghana’s national identity.
“In an era where tourism is increasingly driven by emotional connection, symbolism and heritage, the naming of national gateways has become a strategic branding decision rather than a purely administrative one.”
He said, “an international airport is not just infrastructure; it is a branding asset. The name communicates who we are and what we stand for.”
Aligning the Gateway with Ghana’s founding Ideals, Mr Frimpong notes that Ghana’s global reputation is built on independence, Pan-Africanism and cultural pride, values closely associated with Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President and a leading figure in Africa’s liberation struggle.
Dr Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule. His vision extended beyond Ghana’s borders, inspiring liberation movements across Africa and the African diaspora.
Today, his name carries global recognition and emotional significance.
In contrast, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka is primarily remembered for his role in the 1966 military coup that overthrew Nkrumah’s democratically elected government.
While acknowledging that history must be preserved in its entirety, Mr Frimpong believes the country’s most prestigious national facility should honour those who built the nation rather than those associated with the interruption of constitutional rule.
“It is about making a conscious choice to elevate Ghana’s founding ideals and democratic heritage,” he said.
Tourism as Storytelling
From a tourism perspective, Mr Frimpong describes the proposed renaming as a strategic branding opportunity.
Tourism, he explains, is increasingly driven by storytelling and emotional connection. Travelers are drawn to destinations with strong identities and meaningful narratives.
“The name Kwame Nkrumah International Airport instantly tells a story of freedom, leadership and African pride. It sparks curiosity and encourages visitors to learn more about Ghana’s history even before they arrive,” he said.
He cited major international airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport in the United States, Charles de Gaulle Airport in France and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya as examples of how countries use iconic national figures to reinforce their global image.
“They are not merely identifiers; they are storytelling tools that anchor national branding, reinforce historical narratives and deepen visitor curiosity.”
According to him, Ghana could achieve similar branding strength by aligning its main gateway with its most internationally recognised leader.
Boosting Heritage and Diaspora Tourism
Mr Frimpong says Ghana, in recent years, has positioned itself as a spiritual home for the African diaspora through initiatives such as the ‘Year of Return’, ‘Beyond the Return’ and the ‘Black Star Experience’, and renaming the airport would significantly strengthen that positioning.
He said millions of people of African descent around the world viewed Nkrumah as a symbol of Black liberation and self-determination. Seeing his name attached to Ghana’s principal airport, would reinforce Ghana’s appeal as the birthplace of African independence and a centre of Pan-African thought.
He noted that the airport itself could be transformed into a cultural experience, incorporating exhibitions, art installations and digital storytelling spaces dedicated to Nkrumah’s life and Ghana’s independence struggle.
“Such features will turn arrival into an immersive introduction to Ghana’s heritage and encourage visitors to explore related attractions, including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, independence monuments, museums and historic sites across the country.”
The tourism analyst added that this could increase visitors’ length of stay and overall tourism spending.
Academic and Global Impact
Mr Frimpong says beyond leisure tourism, educational and conference tourism will also benefit.
Scholars, students and institutions engaged in African studies, political history and Pan-African philosophy already recognise Nkrumah’s global importance. An airport bearing his name would reinforce Ghana’s status as a centre for intellectual engagement, attracting academic conferences, study tours and research collaborations.
He states that the renaming will also generate extensive international media coverage and social media conversation, offering global visibility that functions as free advertising for the country.
Addressing Concerns
“While critics may point to the costs associated with renaming, Mr Frimpong said he considered such expenses as minimal when viewed as a long-term investment in national branding and tourism growth.
He said strong destination brands, yield sustained economic returns through increased arrivals, higher visitor spending and stronger international partnerships.
Mr Frimpong maintains that renaming Kotoka International Airport to Kwame Nkrumah International Airport, Accra, is about aligning Ghana’s most visible gateway with its highest ideals.
“It is a declaration of who Ghana chooses to honour, what it stands for and how it wishes to be known,” he said.
Conclusion
“By naming its principal gateway after the man who led Ghana to freedom, the country will send a powerful message to the world, that Ghana is the birthplace of African independence, the home of Pan-Africanism and a destination where history lives.”
Such a message does more than inspire pride; it attracts visitors, deepens engagement and drives tourism growth.
“This renaming is long overdue. It is better late than never. Let us act now and do the needful for our country to get the recognition it deserves.”
GNA
17 Feb. 2026
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong