Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Volta Regional Commissioner to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has called on chiefs, the Volta caucus of Members of Parliament, and citizens of the Volta Region to reject the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.

In a statement issued on February 4, Dr Apetorgbor described the plan, reportedly advanced by the Majority Leader through the Ministry of Transport, as a “misplaced policy priority” with no clear economic, operational, or strategic justification.

“Airports are not mere symbols; they are strategic economic assets,” he said. “Their value lies in efficiency, safety, connectivity, cargo capacity, and their ability to attract airlines, trade, tourism, and investment. A change in name delivers no measurable economic benefit.”

Dr Apetorgbor noted that international practice often sees airports named after prominent figures, not as a superficial gesture but to reflect history, identity, and national purpose.

He warned that renaming Kotoka would divert parliamentary time, administrative resources, and funds from urgent national priorities, including improving safety systems, passenger experience, and cargo handling.

The Commissioner urged the Volta Caucus in Parliament, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Volta-based diaspora organisations, and all Voltarians to oppose the initiative. He also appealed to Ghanaians nationwide to demand policy discipline and economic seriousness from the government.

“National development is driven by performance, competitiveness, and results, not by changes in designation,” Dr Apetorgbor said. “Ghana cannot afford distractions. This proposal must be firmly rejected to ensure focus remains on economic recovery and sustainable growth.”