By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (VR) Feb 4, GNA – Some Ghanaian citizens in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have rejected government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport.
The announcement was made by Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader of Parliament, who stated that a bill would be presented to Parliament to rename the airport Accra International Airport.
Mr Ephraim Dodzi Jumpah, Assembly Member of Tegbi-Ashiata Electoral Area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, vehemently opposed the Majority Leader’s indication that the government was taking steps rename the Airport.
He said Kotoka was a fearless leader from Alakple in the Anloga District of the Volta Region, who joined the military and rose through the ranks and gained significant experience and respect.
“General Kotoka was most famously known for leading the 1966 coup d’état that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, while Nkrumah was on a state visit to Vietnam and China. The coup was carried out by the National Liberation Council (NLC), a group of military officers and police personnel, with Kotoka as a key figure.”
He explained that following the coup, Kotoka became the Chairman of the NLC, effectively the head of state of Ghana which aimed to restore constitutional rule and address economic issues, but their tenure was relatively short.
Mr Jumpah stated that General Kotoka was tragically assassinated on April 17, 1967, during an attempted counter-coup known as “Operation Guitar Boy,” and he was killed at the military airbase used by the British Royal Air Force during the World War ll, and was named Kotoka International Airport to honour his memory.
He said that Kotoka was a significant figure in Ghanaian history, especially at a time the first President Kwame Nkrumah was accused of allegedly using the country’s resources on other countries with the idea of establishing African Union while Ghana was suffering economic hardship.
“Why should we attempt to erase such a historic man’s name from our history, this simply tell us that, we are people who don’t know our history. What could be the benefit of removing his name of the airport.”
He alluded that there were more serious ‘bread and butter’ and greater development issues that needed swift government attention than this ‘petty disposition.’
Mr Seth Yayra Adzima, another citizen also opposed the change, citing Kotoka’s role in Ghana’s history and his connection to the Volta Region.
“Kotoka did not lead a coup for nothing, he was a hero, he has played a significant role in Ghana’s development, and removing his name is an insult to his memory.”
He argued that the government had many better policies such infrastructure, education, agriculture, sports, job creation among others to concentrate on to alleviate the plight of all citizens than renaming Kotoka International Airport which would not bring food onto the table of Ghanaians.
Mr Adzama stated that General Kotoka statue was erected at Alakple and Savietula junction which demonstrated that he was a hero and demanded national recognition as well.
He alleged that to remove Kotoka’s name on the Airport is a clear attempt and indication of tribalism adding that, “Kotoka was a proud citizen of Volta Region for that matter Anloland, this is an attempt to clean his name off the national asset, even though he served this country very well.”
He said that government must in the subsequent days explain in details to the public its proposal to rename the Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport and urged stakeholders to step in for government to reconsider the move.
Meanwhile, the proposal continues to spark intense debate and discussion among residents of Keta Municipality, with some arguing that the airport’s name should reflect Ghana’s founding values and independence story.
The proposed renaming has also sparked debate about Ghana’s history and identity, with some arguing that the country’s symbols should reflect its democratic values with others calling on the government to guide the renaming process by law to reflect the will of the Ghanaian people.
The controversy has also highlighted the complexities of Ghana’s history and the challenges of reconciling its past with its present, while some gripped with questions about identity, democracy, and the values that should define the nation.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba