Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has condemned the government’s decision to rename Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as an indictment on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of eroding historical significance and regional pride.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin addressed the media in Parliament on Tuesday, February 3, questioning the reason for the proposed renaming, arguing that the existing name already represents the capital city while conserving historical character.
“For all these years, General Kotoka’s name has been on the airport, and now it has been changed. What is it? “ he inquired.
“After all, the name is Kotoka International Airport, comma Accra. Accra is already there, so there is no need to erase Kotoka’s name. ”
According to the Minority Leader, the action unjustly singles out one of the few national assets that honors a prominent person from the Volta Region, claiming that successive governments have kept the name without controversy.
“If you come to Accra, or even throughout the country, how many notable Voltarians have their names on national assets or monuments? “ he asked.
“This is the only thing the people of the Volta Region can point to as recognizing bravery in the area, and now even that is being taken away. “
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also questioned what he called the silence of important government individuals from the Volta Region, claiming that they are to blame for allowing the planned reform to continue.
He mentioned names like Kwame Agbodza, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Fifi Kwetey, Bernard Ahiafor, and Governs Kwame Agbodza, claiming that their presence in government adds to the concern surrounding the decision.
“They are all sitting down watching the government remove a Voltarian’s name, which was granted to our airport. At this point in time, they are in control and witnessing the Volta Region lose its pride. “It’s up to them,” he stated.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks follow Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s statement that the government intends to change Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.
Mr. Ayariga announced this while speaking to journalists ahead of the start of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, noting that the decision is part of a larger attempt to portray Ghana’s democratic ideals and national identity in public institutions.
Source: Myjoyonline.com