The family of the late Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka has openly opposed the proposed renaming of Kotoka International Airport (KIA), describing the move as ill-considered and dismissive of the late General’s lasting contribution to national service.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency on Sunday at his residence in Fiaxor, near Anloga, the late General’s maternal uncle, Mr Michael Korshie Dzirakor, conveyed the family’s concerns on behalf of both immediate and extended relatives.
Mr Dzirakor said the family was not consulted prior to the announcement of the proposed name change, a development he believes fails to accord due respect to one of Ghana’s most prominent military figures.
He challenged narratives that portray General Kotoka as a traitor, insisting that historical context presents a different account. According to him, those who experienced governance during that period can attest that the late General played a key role in ending what he described as a dictatorship and in restoring a level of national stability.
Highlighting General Kotoka’s professional record, Mr Dzirakor noted that his achievements extended beyond Ghana, including senior leadership roles in the Ghana Army and a significant role in coordinating Ghanaian troops during the Congo Crisis between 1963 and 1964.
He said these efforts earned the late General international recognition, culminating in his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his service with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC).
Mr Dzirakor described General Kotoka as a principled, disciplined, and law-abiding officer who was deeply committed to his family, community, and country, adding that his dedication to public service and community development was profound.
On development initiatives linked to his legacy, Mr Dzirakor explained that although General Kotoka did not govern Ghana after the 1966 coup, subsequent leadership under Major General Joseph Ankrah initiated several projects. These included plans for a bridge over the Keta Lagoon to link Kome and Woe to boost trade and regional development.
He added that the Kotoka Trust Fund was later established to support community projects such as the Kodzi Health Clinic, while initiatives to extend pipe-borne water to communities including Fiaxor, Kodzi, and Alakple were also undertaken.
Addressing the broader national debate, Mr Dzirakor stressed that the late General never sought personal recognition and did not name any public institution after himself. He described the ongoing discussions over the airport’s name as divisive, noting varying reactions from political leaders and the public.
He also dismissed claims that the Kotoka family benefits financially from the airport, stating that reports suggesting the family receives royalties are false.
The debate has intensified following an announcement by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Mahama Ayariga, that a bill on the proposed renaming would soon be presented to the House.
