Bill to Rename Kotoka International Airport Expected Before Parliament – Majority Leader

A bill seeking to rename the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport is expected to be laid before Parliament during the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament.

The proposed legislation, to be known as the Accra International Airport Bill, will be introduced by the Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, according to the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mr Mahama Ayariga.

Mr Ayariga disclosed this during a media engagement in Parliament on Tuesday, noting that the bill forms part of several legislative proposals expected to be presented by various ministers for consideration and passage.

“We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. So, a bill, known as the Accra International Airport Bill, will be brought by the Minister of Transport for the name to be changed to that effect,” he said.

He explained that the decision to rename the airport was not a reflection on the personality of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, but rather an effort to honour the people of Accra, who provided the land for the construction of the facility.

According to Mr Ayariga, the airport was originally known as Accra International Airport before its name was changed, stressing that it was only fair to recognise the contribution of the indigenes of Accra.

“It is not fair to the people of Accra that they gave land for the airport to be built, only for its name to be changed to something else,” he observed.

Mr Ayariga further stated that Parliament remains committed to ensuring the passage of the Proper Human Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the LGBTQ+ Bill, which Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, indicated during the First Session of the Ninth Parliament must be reintroduced for consideration.

Additionally, the Majority Leader said Parliament would intensify efforts to hold public institutions accountable for their performance, particularly in the delivery of social services.

He noted that performance reports from public institutions had not received adequate attention, adding that Parliament has a responsibility to ensure institutions deliver effectively to meet public expectations.

“Ghanaians expect institutions to perform better, and if they are not delivering, then Parliament is not doing its work,” he said.

On his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns over the passage of bills under certificates of urgency, delays in reintroducing the Proper Human Rights and Family Values Bill, and the rising cost of living.

He also called on the Majority Caucus to accommodate the Minority and urged the Speaker to hear and fast-track Minority motions.

“The Minority has not been obstructive. We have been largely cooperative. Last year, most ministerial nominees were approved by consensus,” Mr Afenyo-Markin added.