The family of the late Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka has strongly opposed the government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA), describing the move as ill-considered and disrespectful to the late general’s legacy of national service.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Sunday at his residence in Fiaxor, near Anloga, Mr Michael Korshie Dzirakor, a maternal uncle of the late General Kotoka, and other family members voiced their concerns.
They emphasised that neither the immediate nor the extended family was consulted before the announcement, underscoring a lack of respect for one of Ghana’s distinguished military figures.
“Though Kotoka is widely referred to today as a coup plotter or betrayer, history tells a different story,” Mr Dzirakor said. “Those who lived through that era and witnessed governance at the time can attest that General Kotoka was not a traitor. On the contrary, he played a pivotal role in ending a dictatorship and restoring a measure of national stability.”
He highlighted Kotoka’s professional achievements, including his leadership roles in the Ghana Army and his key coordination of Ghanaian forces during the Congo Crisis of 1963–1964 as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC).
For his service, Kotoka was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
Mr Dzirakor described the late general as a principled, disciplined, and law-abiding officer deeply committed to his family, community, and nation. He pointed to Kotoka’s contributions to community development, including plans initiated under the post-1966 National Liberation Council era for a bridge over the Keta Lagoon to connect Kome to Woe, aimed at boosting trade and regional growth.
The Kotoka Trust Fund was later established to support local projects such as the Kodzi Health Clinic, while Kotoka also advanced a pipe-borne water extension project to benefit communities including Fiaxor, Kodzi, and Alakple, according to family members and some local chiefs.
The family stressed that General Kotoka never sought personal glorification and did not name any institution after himself. Mr Dzirakor dismissed as unfounded claims that the Kotoka family receives royalties from the airport.
Addressing the broader national debate, he noted the divisive reactions from political actors and the public following Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s recent announcement that a bill to rename the airport would soon be tabled in Parliament.
Chiefs in the area echoed the family’s concerns, lamenting the lack of consultation on such a sensitive issue and reaffirming Kotoka’s grassroots development efforts.
Concluding, Mr Dzirakor urged decision-makers to honour General Kotoka’s legacy of selfless service, military professionalism, and commitment to national development.
“General Kotoka’s contributions helped shape modern Ghana. Had it not been Kotoka, Ghana would have experienced a One-Party State with a lifetime president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, until his death. Is that what we wanted for Ghana?” he quizzed.
“It is only fitting that his name and service continue to be honoured appropriately.”