National Communications Director for CPP, Osei Kofi Acquah
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has announced its support for the move to rename the Kotoka International Airport.
They argue that the continued celebration of figures linked to military coups has undermined Ghana’s democratic values and distorted the country’s political history.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, the party’s National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, said naming important national monuments after coup leaders represents injustice to Ghana’s democratic tradition and the legacy of the country’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“The reason why the CPP has been suffering for so many years is that we have agreed for the state to name our monuments and institutions after somebody like Kotoka.
“Now, we in the CPP are thanking them very much for considering a change,” he stated.
His comments come amid public debates over reports that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, is preparing to lay a bill before Parliament to rename the Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.
While the proposal has attracted criticisms from some political activists who question its relevance, others see it as an opportunity to correct what they describe as historical wrongs and realign national symbols with democratic ideals.
Acquah went further to criticise the role of military officers involved in Ghana’s history of coups, particularly those that led to the overthrow of the first, second and third republics.
“All those who took part in the coups that overthrew the First, Second, and Third Republics should be stripped of their ranks.
“If Kotoka were a lieutenant, he should be made a corporal,” he added.
According to him, the debate is not about economics but about values and accountability, stressing that the armed forces are meant to serve civilian governments, not replace them.
“Soldiers are supposed to work for the government, not be government,” he added.
He noted that honoring coup leaders sends the wrong message to future generations.
SO/AE
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com