Accra, Ghana – February 24, 2025
Democracy Hub, in collaboration with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court of Ghana, seeking the removal of Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka’s name from Accra International Airport.
The legal action aims to address what the groups call a historical injustice, denounce the glorification of unconstitutional rule, and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance.
According to Democracy Hub, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution firmly opposes military coups, making it contradictory for the country to continue honoring one of the key figures behind the first military overthrow of an elected government in 1966. For nearly six decades, Ghana has maintained Kotoka’s name on its international airport despite its constitutional stance against such actions.
The lawsuit specifically challenges the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339), which enshrined the name “Kotoka International Airport.” The plaintiffs argue that this decree amounts to state-sanctioned endorsement of an illegal regime change, and they are calling for its removal as a step toward reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law.
“This is more than just a court case—it is a national reckoning with our past and a reaffirmation of our democratic values,” Democracy Hub stated in its release.
The group expressed its gratitude to the legal team at Merton & Everett LLP for their dedication in bringing the case forward, emphasizing that the effort resulted from extensive legal research and archival work.
Democracy Hub is calling on Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and youth activists to support their cause, framing the lawsuit as part of a broader struggle for democracy and constitutional integrity.
Background on Kotoka’s Role in Ghana’s History
Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka was one of the key figures in the 1966 coup d’état that led to the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The coup marked a turning point in Ghana’s political history, leading to a series of military interventions that interrupted democratic governance. Critics argue that honoring Kotoka contradicts the nation’s constitutional commitment to democracy.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming months, with legal and political analysts closely watching its implications for Ghana’s historical narratives and legal precedents.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
