The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has clarified that the renaming of the Kotoka International Airport will not require parliamentary approval, noting that it was originally named through a decree in 1969.

Contrary to calls for a bill to provide legal backing for the decision, the Minister pointed out that airports in Ghana have historically been renamed through executive instruments, citing the examples of the Kumasi and Tamale airports.

Briefing the press in Parliament after releasing a statement on the official renaming, Joseph Bukari Nikpe said calls for legislation are unfounded.

On the background to how the airport was originally named, the Minister explained that the decision stemmed from a decree enacted.

“You will remember that it came as a result of NLCD 309. It was a decree brought in to set up a trust to support the families of Kotoka and other soldiers who were killed at that time. And it happened that he was killed at the forecourt of the airport.”

Explaining the primary objective of the decree, the Minister emphasised that its main focus was to provide support for the affected families.

“If you look at the decree, its intention was to establish a trust to care for the families of the soldiers who were killed. They decided to honour him by renaming the airport after him. The purpose of the decree was to establish a trust.”

Addressing the question of parliamentary involvement, the Minister maintained that no legislative action was required.

“There was no legislation in Parliament to operationalise it. So, there is nothing for Parliament to amend or legislate. It was an executive order issued to recognise someone who was killed at the forecourt of the airport.”

The minister stated that the appropriate course of action would be through an executive decision rather than legislation.

“The rightful approach is for us to make an executive announcement again that the name is reverted to its original name.”

He also noted that the renaming has taken effect and that the new name will soon be reflected in official documents and on airport signage.