Ghana is currently embroiled in a fervent national debate concerning the potential renaming of its principal international gateway, Kotoka International Airport (KIA). The controversy was reignited following a proposal by the Minority Leader to change the airport's name to Accra International Airport. This move stems from the contentious legacy of General Emmanuel Kotoka, whose pivotal role in the 1966 coup that ousted Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, remains a source of significant disagreement.

Critics, including Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Board member Atta Issah, vehemently reject narratives that portray Kotoka as a liberator. Mr. Issah argues that the 1966 military coup was a profound setback for Ghana, opening the door for political instability across Africa and significantly retarding the nation's development. He challenges the notion that Kotoka, Ankrah, and Afrifa contributed anything positive to Ghana's progress, asserting they achieved nothing memorable in their three years.

During internal discussions, the GACL board, under former Chairman Paul Adom-Otchere, had previously considered renaming the airport after former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. This idea was driven by the desire for enhanced global branding, given Annan's unparalleled international recognition as a Ghanaian figure. However, this proposal did not gain traction with then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who prioritized the completion of critical airport infrastructure projects in Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale over a name change. Atta Issah further clarified that the GACL board has formally agreed only to the name "Accra International Airport," aiming to restore the facility's original, non-partisan identity and prevent future political interference, distancing the decision from proposals to name it after Kwame Nkrumah.

The debate has attracted diverse viewpoints. Some suggest that if the airport is to be renamed, it should honor a prominent Ga traditional leader or personality, recognizing the indigenous custodianship of the land. Paul Adom-Otchere, a renowned journalist, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using the renaming initiative as a means of "settling political scores" and sanctifying Nkrumah's legacy, rather than acting in the national interest. He defended Kotoka's actions, characterizing him as a "rescuer" from Nkrumah's alleged "despotism" and asserting that historical figures like Kotoka, despite their complexities, should not be simply discarded.

Conversely, Atta Issah has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its involvement in the debate, arguing that the party lacks the moral authority to lead such a conversation. He cited numerous controversial renamings of public institutions under the Akufo-Addo administration, including universities and the Tamale Airport (named after Yakubu Tali despite local concerns), where cost implications were not a barrier. He questioned the basis for some of these changes, such as renaming the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies after S.K. Dombo, who he claims contributed nothing to the institution.

Economic policy analyst Senyo Hosi has called for the establishment of a formal national policy to guide the naming of public institutions, warning that the current haphazard approach risks "bastardising history." He emphasized the need for community consensus, particularly from Ga traditional authorities, before any renaming occurs. While open to changes for branding, Hosi acknowledged the value of the Kotoka name, noting its 57-year tenure has served as a reminder to the military. Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, also weighed in, stating that KIA's significance is too grand for it to be named solely after Kotoka, suggesting that Nkrumah was a "greater hero" and that the debate often lacks factual fidelity.

Beyond the airport naming controversy, Ghana is also grappling with other significant national issues. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is experiencing deep factional tensions following Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's election as flagbearer. Analysts are questioning whether his reconciliation efforts are genuine attempts at party unity or signs of a broader internal power reshuffle ahead of the 2028 elections. Additionally, the nation has seen a sharp decline in inflation to 3.8%. While the government presents this as a sign of economic recovery, many citizens report that prices for goods and services remain high, and living conditions have not demonstrably improved, highlighting a notable disconnect between official economic figures and the everyday reality faced by Ghanaians.