Former Minister for Trade and Industry Kobina Tahiru Hammond has called on traditional leaders in the Volta Region to oppose the proposed renaming of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).  

He argued that chiefs and elders in the region should not remain passive while the government seeks to change the name of a monument honouring one of their own.  

“Kotoka is one of their own, and they must resist with all their energy and might any attempt by the government,” said the former Asokwa MP during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Monday.  

His remarks come amid growing public debate over the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.  

Speaking to the press ahead of the opening of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the Ministry of Transport will soon present the Accra International Airport Bill to Parliament for consideration and approval.  

As the controversy intensifies, Mr Hammond has urged chiefs in the Volta Region to summon the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and demand that he abandon any attempt to rename the airport.  

The outspoken former MP also cautioned President Mahama against pursuing the renaming, warning that it would tarnish his reputation.