Democracy Hub Defends Legal Bid to Remove 'Kotoka' from Ghana’s Airport Name

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, lead convener of Democracy Hub, has defended the decision to file a lawsuit seeking the removal of “Kotoka” from the name of Ghana’s international airport.

The move has reignited national debate over whether Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, should continue to be honored with such a significant national landmark.

On February 24, 2025, Democracy Hub, in partnership with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that maintaining Kotoka’s name on the airport contradicts Ghana’s democratic principles.

The plaintiffs assert that the name symbolizes state approval of unconstitutional actions, particularly Kotoka’s role in the coup.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM, Barker-Vormawor clarified that the legal challenge is not about erasing history but ensuring that national symbols align with Ghana’s democratic ideals.

"History involves both naming and renaming. Just as India changed Bombay to Mumbai, reconsidering the name of a national monument is part of historical evolution," he explained.

He further stated that the case is not about removing all names associated with coup makers but questioning whether retaining Kotoka’s name glorifies a coup, which the 1992 Constitution prohibits.

However, the CPP has distanced itself from the lawsuit, stating it was not aware of the action taken by Democracy Hub.