The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has insisted that state monuments, streets, and public institutions should be named only after individuals who are truly deemed patriotic, as Ghana prepares for a major debate over the renaming of Kotoka International Airport.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, the CPP’s National Communication Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, criticised the broader practice of awarding individuals national monuments, even when their actions undermine the country's democratic foundations.

“It is very, very sad to hear people who are supposed to be patriots, people who are supposed to be Democrats speak this way,” he said.

“Let’s all be honest with ourselves. State monuments and rewarding people by naming streets and state institutions after them are supposed to be done for people who are deemed patriotic,” Mr Acquah added.

His comments follow Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga's announcement that the government plans to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.

The announcement signals a major shift in the identity of one of Ghana’s most recognisable national landmarks.

Mr Ayariga made the disclosure while addressing journalists ahead of the first sitting of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament.

For the CPP, the issue goes beyond a name change. It is about what Ghana chooses to honour.

Mr Acquah argued that national recognition must be tied to patriotism and democratic legitimacy, not the use of force.

He defended the democratic origins of Kwame Nkrumah’s government and rejected narratives that seek to justify the overthrow of the First Republic.

“Correctly said, the Kwame Nkrumah’s government did not come to power through the power of the gun,” he stated.

“It was Ghanaians who decided that we want to start a nation by being democratic, by having a government that is for the people, by the people,” he added.

He stressed that Nkrumah’s rise to power was anchored in legitimate elections and that the country’s founding path was built on the will of the people, not military coercion.

“And so there was proper elections,” he said.

Mr Acquah also condemned those who overthrew Nkrumah, describing them as men who acted cowardly while pretending loyalty.

He cited the historical account of how Nkrumah was treated before he was removed from office in a coup.

“A group of men who are so cowardly to the extent that when Kwame Nkrumah was leaving for Hanoi, the same people who did the coup d’etat were the ones who saw him off at Accra — then Accra International Airport,” he said.

“And when Osagyefo left, he took guns and arms and overthrew his government,” he added.