Tuesday, 03 February

Minority questions benefit of rebranding Kotoka Airport as Accra International, propose broader consultation

News
Alexander Afenyo-Markin ESQ

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has rejected plans to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as Accra International Airport, describing the proposal as unnecessary and divisive.

His comments come in response to remarks by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who outlined a list of bills expected to be considered during the first meeting of the second session of the 9th Parliament, among them a proposal to change the name of the country’s main international airport.

Speaking to journalists, the minority leader questioned whether traditional authorities in the Volta Region had been consulted prior to the decision, pointing out that General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, after whom the airport is named, was from the region and remains a significant figure in Ghana’s history.

He noted that the current name, Kotoka International Airport–Accra, already clearly identifies the airport’s location, arguing that a change to Accra International Airport would offer no real benefit.

The lawyer and Effutu lawmaker further suggested that the move could be interpreted as an attempt to marginalise people from the Volta Region, a development he said could also unsettle members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who originate from the area.

Afenyo-Markin has, therefore, called on the majority to reconsider the proposal and ensure broader consultations with key stakeholders before taking any further steps.

Source: classfmonline.com