'No financial burden' - Transport Minister rejects cost concerns over airport renaming

Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, has dismissed concerns that the government’s decision to revert the country’s main international airport to its former name, Accra International Airport, would place a heavy financial burden on the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Nikpe explained that fears over costs are misplaced, noting that international aviation codes linked to Ghana have remained unchanged despite the name changes over the years.

“The good news is that all these organisations that regulate aviation in Ghana have not changed the country code since the name was altered from Accra to Kotoka. The International Civil Aviation Organisation still maintains the country code DGAA, and the International Air Transport Association also retains the ACC code,” he said.

According to the minister, the stability of these internationally recognised codes means that no global changes are required.

“There is nothing to change internationally. The only changes required are signage and billboards within the country,” he added.

Nikpe further reassured Ghanaians that existing airport vendors would simply update official materials such as letterheads and stamps to reflect the restored name.

“It is not a new contract. The same vendors who produce the airport’s letterheads and stamps will update them to reflect the new name. So, what significant cost are we talking about?” he questioned.

He also highlighted that ongoing renovation and redevelopment works at the airport would naturally incorporate the new signage, further limiting any additional expense.

“We are already renovating and redeveloping parts of the airport to improve operations. Some of the old signage would have been replaced anyway. The new signage will now bear the restored name. Even if there is some cost, it is not something we should be overly concerned about,” Nikpe noted.

The transport minister concluded by emphasising that reverting to Accra International Airport is primarily a symbolic and practical decision, not a financial burden.

“This move restores the airport’s original identity and does not impose any substantial cost on the state,” he stated.

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