Democracy Hub, and the Convention People’s Party (CPP), have jointly filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court seeking the removal of “Kotoka” from the country’s International airport.
They contend that honouring Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup d’état, contradicts Ghana’s democratic values.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 24, the group asserted that retaining Kotoka’s name on a national monument signifies state endorsement of unconstitutional actions.
They advocate for renaming the airport to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance.
“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.
“It is time for Ghana to make a clear statement that it stands against unconstitutional rule, not just in rhetoric but in practice.”
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka (26 September 1926 – 17 April 1967) was a Ghanaian military officer instrumental in the 24 February 1966 coup d’état that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah’s government.
Born in Alakple, Volta Region, Kotoka enlisted in the Gold Coast Regiment in 1947 and rose through the ranks.
Following the coup, he served on the National Liberation Council until his assassination during a failed counter-coup on 17 April 1967
