Public interest advocate Rodaline Imoru Ayarna has joined the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed change of name from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport, questioning why the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is strongly opposing the move.
According to her, the NPP and the Danquah-Busia political tradition are not the only political group that has contributed to Ghana’s development and history, insisting that the country’s national landmarks appear heavily dominated by names associated with the party.
She argued that Ghana’s political space is broader than one tradition, citing how major landmarks in Accra reflect the influence of NPP-related figures.
“Starting from the airport, you have Kotoka International Airport. As you move toward the Presidency, you meet the Busia statue. You continue and see the statue of Nana Akufo-Addo’s father, who served as a ceremonial president. You drive further to Danquah Circle, and on the right-hand side you branch to Akor Adjei Interchange. You move again to Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange, and when you head toward Dansoman, you see Theresa Ameley Tagoe Circle,” she stated.
Rodaline stressed that all these figures are linked to the NPP tradition, yet Ghanaians have remained quiet over the years.
She therefore questioned why the NPP is now raising concerns over a proposed bill seeking to rename the airport, asking whether the party believes it is the only one that has governed Ghana or contributed to the country’s independence struggle.
Rodaline also challenged claims by some NPP members that renaming the airport is a misplaced priority, pointing to similar decisions made under previous NPP administrations.
She asked whether it was a misplaced priority when the party renamed the Flagstaff House to the Jubilee House, and when they embarked on renaming several public universities.
She further referenced the controversial National Cathedral project, stating that the excavation and construction efforts carried out in its name were never described as misplaced priorities by the same individuals now opposing the airport renaming.
Rodaline maintained that if past governments could rename major national institutions and projects without public uproar, then the NPP has no justification to complain about efforts to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku