Anti-corruption crusader Vitus Azeem has proposed that the government rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in honour of Ghana’s founder and former leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Azeem made a strong case that Dr Nkrumah’s contributions to Ghana are pivotal to its development, with his influence extending well beyond the country’s borders.

Speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, he stated that it is high time the country named its important monuments and state institutions after individuals who have made significant contributions to Ghana’s development.

“We need to name important state institutions and assets after people who have contributed significantly to Ghana’s development. That is why I suggest renaming the airport after Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.

Azeem questioned why Ghana has yet to take such progressive steps, drawing parallels to African countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

According to him, these nations have honoured the legacies of their notable leaders — many of whom, he noted, held deep admiration for Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

“Nkrumah’s influence shaped not just Ghana but inspired liberation movements across Africa. We have countries like Kenya and Tanzania naming their international airports after leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Julius Nyerere, both of whom admired Nkrumah. Why should Ghana be any different?” Azeem questioned.

Commenting on the naming of Ghana’s international airport after Lt-Gen Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, Azeem questioned the rationale behind the decision, arguing that Kotoka’s role in the 1966 military coup — which led to the overthrow of Dr Kwame Nkrumah — disrupted, rather than advanced, the country’s developmental path.

“How many Ghanaians today even recall the 1966 coup, except that it disrupted Nkrumah’s visionary development plans? This is a matter of historical justice,” he added.

Vitus Azeem’s proposal adds to growing calls from sections of the Ghanaian public for the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to be renamed.

MAG/AE

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