Citizen files suit at Supreme Court over renaming of Kotoka International Airport

A Ghanaian citizen, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, has filed a suit at the Supreme Court seeking declarations over the recent renaming of Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to the writ invoking the original jurisdiction of the court, the plaintiff is challenging what he describes as an unlawful attempt to rename the facility to “Accra International Airport.”

The suit, filed against the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, argues that the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339), remains valid and binding under the 1992 Constitution unless it is amended or repealed through the appropriate legal processes.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that any purported renaming of the airport without such amendment or repeal is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, specifically Articles 11(1)(d) and 11(4), as well as provisions of the decree.

He further contends that any executive order issued to effect the change in name, without legislative backing, is null, void, and of no legal effect.

Additionally, the suit is asking the court to annul the reversion of Kotoka International Airport to “Accra International Airport”, arguing that it contravenes constitutional provisions.

The writ directs the Attorney-General to file a response within 14 days after being served with the plaintiff’s statement of case.

The case has been filed under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in accordance with Articles 2(1) and 130(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Rule 45(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (C.I. 16), as amended.