GHANA | Rename Accra International Airport in honour of Kwame Nkrumah !

ACCRA,  Ghana, December 7, 2023 - The welcoming announcement at Accra International Airport, bearing the name of Emmanuel Kotoka, is a jarring contradiction to the spirit of Ghana's struggle for independence, a struggle vehemently championed by Kwame Nkrumah.

This stark paradox is not just a mere oversight but a deeply ingrained narrative that undermines the very essence of Ghana's national identity and its liberation history.

The airport's name, emblematic of colonial subservience, stands in stark contrast to Nkrumah's vision of a united and self-reliant Africa. It is a disservice to the legacy of a leader who symbolized African aspiration and self-governance.

Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy is an enduring symbol of Africa’s quest for freedom, unity, and progress.

He is not just a historical figure; he embodies the dreams and aspirations of a continent yearning for self-determination and industrial advancement.

In stark contrast, Kotoka, a figure ingrained in colonial allegiance, represents the antithesis of Nkrumah’s ideals.

The celebration of Kotoka as a national symbol at Ghana's primary international gateway is a blatant contradiction of the values for which Nkrumah stood.

This misalignment reflects a historical injustice that needs rectification to honor the true architects of Ghana’s independence.

The 1966 coup, led by Kotoka, which overthrew Nkrumah, marked a significant setback in the Pan-African vision of unity and control over African resources.

This event was a direct affront to Nkrumah’s aspirations for a united and powerful Africa, resonating with the visions of Marcus Garvey.

The act of naming the airport after Kotoka not only commemorates a figure who opposed these ideals but also serves to perpetuate a narrative that is antithetical to the principles of African liberation and self-determination.

Nkrumah and Kotoka represent two distinct paths in African history: one towards liberation and self-reliance, and the other towards continued colonial dependence.

While many African nations honor Nkrumah for his vision and leadership, Ghana paradoxically honors Kotoka, a symbol of colonial allegiance.

This decision, enshrined in the General Kotoka Trust Act of 1969, was more than just a naming; it was a deliberate attempt to suppress the legacy of Nkrumah and his vision for Africa and its diaspora.

The legacy of Kotoka is emblematic of a broader pattern in post-colonial Africa, where colonial stooges were celebrated over genuine freedom fighters. This trend, which includes figures like Mobutu Sese Seko and Idi Amin, represents a betrayal of the African struggle for independence and self-determination.

These individuals, once opposed to the liberation movement, paradoxically became celebrated figures in the very nations they betrayed. This underscores the deep-seated irony and contradiction in honoring those who actively worked against the continent’s progress.

Therefore, the call to rename Accra International Airport in honor of Kwame Nkrumah is not just a symbolic gesture, but a crucial step towards reclaiming Ghana’s national narrative.

It is an act of rectifying historical wrongs and reorienting the nation towards the values and ideals that truly reflect its struggle for independence and vision for the future.

Renaming the airport would serve as a testament to Nkrumah’s enduring legacy and a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to the principles of unity, self-reliance, and African sovereignty.

-30-