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Democracy Hub and CPP sue for removal of Kotoka’s name from Ghana’s international airport
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Social activist group, Democracy Hub, in collaboration with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court of Ghana seeking the removal of the name Kotoka from Ghana’s International Airport.
The group argues that keeping the name of Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka on a national monument contradicts Ghana’s democratic principles, as he played a key role in the country’s first coup d’état in 1966.
“For 59 years, Ghana has lived with the contradiction of denouncing coups while honouring one of the architects of the first military overthrow of an elected government,” the group stated.
Democracy Hub and the CPP insist that the naming of Kotoka International Airport under the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339) is a state-sanctioned endorsement of unconstitutional rule. They believe removing the name would be a step towards reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to democracy.
“It is time for Ghana to make a clear statement that it stands against unconstitutional rule, not just in rhetoric but in practice,” the statement added.
The lawsuit, supported by legal experts from Merton & Everett LLP, follows extensive legal and archival research.
Democracy Hub is calling on civil society groups, youth activists, and defenders of democracy to back the legal challenge, describing it as “more than a court case, it is a national reckoning with our past.”
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, born 26 September 1926 – 17 April 1967, was a Ghanaian military officer who was a member of the ruling National Liberation Council which came to power in a military coup d’état on 24 February 1966.
This overthrew the government of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of the republic.
President John Dramani Mahama today cut the sod for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Juapong, North Tongu District, marking the commencement of a transformative project aimed at boosting local commerce, creating sustainable jobs, and driving economic growth in the Volta Region.
The sod-cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s two-day ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ of the Volta Region.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, President Mahama described the proposed facility as a modern economic centre designed to empower farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
He noted that beyond serving as a marketplace, the project will provide critical infrastructure for storage, processing, packaging, distribution, digital commerce, and access to financial services.
The President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to accelerating development across the Volta Region through strategic investments in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, markets, and agro-industrial initiatives.
He highlighted Juapong’s strategic location and economic potential, indicating that the town is well-positioned to emerge as a key commercial and industrial destination within the region.
As part of the flagship 24-Hour Economy programme, the Juapong Model Market will be among the largest facilities under the initiative.
The project has been designated as a Category Four Market, the highest classification within the programme, reflecting its significance to the region’s economic transformation.
Broadcast journalist and aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Gomoa West, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has pledged to embark on major infrastructure development if elected to represent the constituency in Parliament.
Speaking on Onua TV platform, Captain Smart said his priority would be to transform Gomoa West through extensive development projects.
“I will turn the constituency into a construction site,” he declared, stressing his commitment to improving infrastructure across the area.
Although much of his remarks focused on rallying supporters in local languages, he repeatedly assured residents that they would witness significant development under his leadership.
Captain Smart also urged party supporters to remain united and actively participate in the party’s internal activities ahead of the parliamentary primaries.
He expressed confidence in his bid and promised to work hard to improve the lives of people in Gomoa West if given the opportunity to serve as their parliamentary candidate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
