The Democracy Hub, in collaboration with the Convention People's Party (CPP), has filed a lawsuit at Ghana's Supreme Court seeking the removal of "Kotoka" from the nation's primary international airport.
They contend that honouring Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a central figure in Ghana's inaugural coup d'état in 1966, contradicts the country's dedication to democratic governance.
In their statement, the activists criticized the ongoing association of a national landmark with a military leader who played a pivotal role in toppling Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's democratically elected administration.
They argue that the General Kotoka Trust Decree of 1969 (NLCD 339), which officially named the airport, signifies an endorsement of military rule, a stance they believe is inappropriate for a modern democratic Ghana.
The lawsuit, supported by legal professionals from Merton & Everett LLP, is the culmination of thorough research into Ghana's historical, legal, and constitutional contexts.
The plaintiffs assert that renaming the airport would convey a powerful national message opposing unconstitutional governance.
This legal action has sparked a nationwide discussion about Ghana's historical narratives and the criteria for honoring past leaders.
If the lawsuit succeeds, it could set a precedent for reevaluating other national monuments and symbols linked to periods of military rule and unconstitutional governance.
Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka was a Ghanaian military officer instrumental in the 1966 coup that ousted President Kwame Nkrumah.
He was later killed in 1967 during an attempted counter-coup.
The airport was named in his honour under the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339).
The Supreme Court has yet to schedule a hearing for the case.
In the meantime, Democracy Hub and the CPP are rallying support from civil society organizations, activists, and historians to back their cause, urging Ghanaians to ensure that public monuments align with the nation's democratic ideals.
