A leading campaigner behind the renaming of Kotoka International Airport has hailed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to restore the facility’s former name, describing it as a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.
Mr Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, who petitioned for the change earlier this year, welcomed the government’s announcement that the airport would revert to Accra International Airport, a move made on February 23, the eve of the 60th anniversary of the overthrow of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
In a statement issued on February 24, 2026, Mr Odarteifio said he received the decision “with deep gratitude and a full sense of history”, framing the development as more than a symbolic adjustment.
On January 20, 2026, he had led a petition advocating the renaming, arguing that the issue was not a diversion from pressing economic concerns but part of a broader moral reckoning. “On 20 January 2026, I led a petition calling for this change – not as a distraction from bread-and-butter development, but as a reminder that nation-building is both material and moral. A country can build roads, airports, ports, and factories—and still choose to correct what it honours at its front door,” he stated.
He commended President Mahama for what he described as principled leadership. “To His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana, thank you for showing that leadership remains a fearless blend of courage and conviction. This moment will be remembered as a legacy decision – because it signals that Ghana’s democracy is mature enough to hear its people, reflect, and act.”
The petitioner also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Transport and state institutions tasked with implementing the transition, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, security services, airlines and other partners.
Beyond government, Mr Odarteifio extended his appreciation to citizens and advocacy groups who sustained public debate on the issue. “To every citizen who debated, criticized, supported, prayed, wrote, spoke, and stood firm – thank you,” he said, singling out media organisations, civil society actors and public figures such as Samia Nkrumah, Kwaku Sintim Misa, Kwesi Pratt Jnr and the Democracy Hub for keeping the discussion alive.
He argued that the renaming carries continental resonance, linking it to the legacy of Ghana’s first President and the broader Pan-African project. “This win belongs to Ghana, the African Union and the Founders of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The spirit of Dr. Nkrumah is revived in us.”
While celebrating the decision, Mr Odarteifio emphasised that symbolic acts must go hand in hand with tangible development outcomes. “Our development agenda must continue – jobs, education, health, food security, and industrial growth – but today also proves something important: we can pursue progress without losing our conscience.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh