Ghana

Citizen Drags Government to Supreme Court Over Plan to Rename Kotoka Airport

A legal battle has been initiated at Ghana’s highest court as a private citizen challenges the government’s reported decision to rename Kotoka International Airport, arguing that the move violates the country’s laws.

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The plaintiff, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, filed a suit on March 13, 2026, at the Supreme Court of Ghana, invoking its authority to interpret the Constitution. He maintains that the Executive branch lacks the power to unilaterally change the airport’s name without parliamentary approval.

According to the suit, the airport’s current name is legally protected under the General Kotoka Trust Decree (NLCD 339). Brako-Powers argues that this law remains in force and can only be altered through proper legislative procedures, not by executive directive.

His legal counsel, Michael Akosah of Adu-Gyamfi & Associates, contends that the government’s action breaches provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, specifically those governing the recognition and amendment of existing laws.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that any attempt to rename the airport, reportedly to “Accra International Airport”, is invalid. He is also requesting both temporary and permanent court orders to prevent the Ministry of Transport Ghana and related authorities from carrying out the change.

At the heart of the controversy is the legacy of Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, after whom the airport is named. Kotoka played a key role in the 1966 coup that removed Kwame Nkrumah from power and was later killed during a failed counter-coup.

The proposed renaming has stirred national debate, with opinions divided between those advocating for a new identity and others defending the historical significance of the current name.

Brako-Powers insists his action is driven by public interest, emphasising that constitutional procedures must be upheld. The Attorney-General’s Department Ghana has been given 14 days to respond after being served with the writ.