As the debate over the renaming of Kotoka International Airport continues, playwright and entertainment industry personality George Quaye has called for national landmarks to be named after Ghanaian creatives instead of politicians.
Taking to his Facebook page on February 24, 2025, Quaye suggested considering iconic artists and cultural figures such as filmmaker Kwaw Ansah, the legendary band Osibisa, or poet Atukwei Okai for the airport’s renaming instead of another politician.
“Must the airport necessarily be named after a politician? How about Kwaw Ansah, Osibisa, or Atukwei Okai International Airport?” he questioned.
The suggestion comes amid ongoing discussions about the airport’s name, which currently honors Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that ousted Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
While some advocate for renaming the airport after Nkrumah, others argue that Ghana’s cultural and creative pioneers deserve recognition on such a prominent national platform.
Why Creatives?
Beyond politicians, various creatives have made significant contributions to Ghana’s cultural identity and global reputation.
Kwaw Ansah, an internationally recognized filmmaker and pioneer of Ghanaian cinema, has showcased the country’s rich storytelling traditions through works such as Heritage Africa and Love Brewed in the African Pot.
Osibisa, the internationally acclaimed band, put Ghanaian music on the global map by blending highlife with Afro-rock and inspiring generations of musicians.
Atukwei Okai, a renowned poet and cultural advocate, promoted African literature and Pan-Africanism, leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s artistic landscape.
Quaye’s suggestion has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Supporters argue that naming the airport after a creative figure would celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage and recognize the arts as a vital part of national development.
Others, however, believe that political figures like Nkrumah hold greater symbolic importance for the country’s history and identity.
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