By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Kobina Tahiru Hammond (K.T. Hammond), has called on traditional leaders in the Volta Region to firmly oppose the proposed renaming of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
According to Mr. Hammond, the attempt to change the name of Ghana’s premier international airport risks reopening old national wounds, deepening political divisions, and distorting historical narratives that have shaped the country’s post-independence journey.
In his appeal, K.T. Hammond urged chiefs and opinion leaders in the Volta Region to take a principled stand in defence of national cohesion and historical balance, stressing that the airport’s name should not become a tool for political contestation.
He noted that national symbols and monuments must serve as unifying pillars, rather than platforms for partisan debates or historical reinterpretations driven by political motivations.
Mr. Hammond emphasized that Ghana’s democratic stability is built on mutual respect, tolerance, and collective memory, warning that altering established national symbols could trigger avoidable tensions and undermine unity.
He argued that rather than renaming key national institutions, Ghana should focus on addressing pressing socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
The former minister acknowledged that historical events surrounding the naming of the airport remain sensitive, but stressed that Ghana has made significant strides in reconciliation and democratic governance, and must avoid actions that may reignite unresolved debates.
Mr. Hammond called for broader national dialogue and consultation before any decision is taken, urging policymakers to engage traditional authorities, historians, civil society organizations, and the general public to ensure that any future action reflects the collective will of the Ghanaian people.
The proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport has sparked intense public debate, with opinions divided across political, academic, and civil society lines. While some groups argue for a change based on historical interpretation, others maintain that the existing name represents a significant chapter in Ghana’s political evolution.
Source News Volta
