Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has weighed in on the government’s reported plans to rename Kotoka International Airport back to its original name, Accra International Airport.
According to Stonebwoy, any such change should be driven by clear, nationalistic reasons that promote a positive narrative for the nation.
In an exclusive interview with The1957News on the sidelines of the ongoing African Prosperity Dialogues at the Accra International Conference Center, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Stonebwoy shared his thoughts on the proposed name reversion.
He noted that the airport was historically known as Accra International Airport, which explains the enduring “ACC” code used in aviation.
“It used to be called Accra International Airport airway, that’s why when you are going to fly you see ACC. So that has been before so when the name goes back to Accra International Airport for whatever reason, I would believe that the reasons are clear, the reasons are politically accurate, the reasons are very nationalistic. I would believe so,” Stonebwoy said.
He added a caveat, however, stressing that the change must signify progress and upliftment.
“But should it change and it doesn’t reflect any upliftment, then I think wouldn’t side for that but if it is going to reflect upliftment and uplift a positive narrative about this nation, I am for that,” he said.
The proposed name change comes amid discussions about the airport’s nomenclature, which has been a point of contention due to its association with Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka. The airport was renamed in honor of Kotoka following his role in the 1966 coup d’état that ousted Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Critics argue that Kotoka’s involvement in the coup does not represent a positive symbol for the state.
Stonebwoy, whose real name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, revealed a personal connection to Kotoka, noting that the late general hails from his hometown of Alakple in the Volta Region.
“Kotoka is actually from my hometown. I am from Alakple and anybody who knows the right history knows that General Kotoka comes from Alakple, my actual hometown and the history will tell us how he participated in the coup d’état that overthrow Dr Kwame Nkrumah,” he explained.
Acknowledging the controversy, Stonebwoy urged a balanced view of historical figures.
“So that has been a narrative that has been tagged around him for the name change of the airport. So there is a school of thought that insists that he does not represent a good stature for the state, I think that is the reason. I do not want to dig into it too much because I do not believe that one human being can be so evil all his life, there must be some good aspects,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating that the airport’s naming after Kotoka likely highlighted his positive contributions, but supported a change if justified.
“So for the fact that he got to be named after the airport may be because of his good part. So if it has to be changed, let it be changed for a good reason,” Stonebwoy said.
The African Prosperity Dialogues, where the interview took place, is an annual forum bringing together African leaders, business executives, and influencers to discuss economic growth and prosperity on the continent. Stonebwoy’s comments add to the ongoing public discourse on national symbols and historical legacies in Ghana.
Kotoka International Airport, located in Accra, serves as the country’s main international gateway and handles millions of passengers annually. The government has not yet provided official details on the timeline or specific motivations for the proposed name change.