The Government of Ghana has officially restored the name of the country’s main international gateway from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport, officials explained that the facility was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was renamed. The Ministry said the decision to revert to the former name was taken in recognition of its historical roots and international identity.

Authorities assured the public that the change will have no impact on airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. The airport’s code, “ACC,” registered with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), remains unchanged and will continue to be used for all aviation and travel purposes.

The Ministry outlined that the renaming exercise will involve a phased and systematic update of official documents, statutory instruments, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other related communication materials to reflect the new name.

Government has also appealed to the general public, stakeholders, and international partners to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition. The Ministry expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support throughout the process.

Debate Intensified Ahead of Decision

The decision follows weeks of heightened public and political debate over the future of the airport’s name. The controversy escalated after Majority Leader announced on February 3 that government intended to introduce a bill in Parliament to revert the facility to its original name, Accra International Airport.

Supporters of the move, including Bongo MP Charles Bawaduah, argued that renaming the airport reflects Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and avoids celebrating the overthrow of an elected government. They also framed the decision as a way of honouring the Ga people whose lands were acquired for the airport’s construction.

However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from sections of the Minority. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the move as a slight against the Volta Region, the home region of General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, and accused senior political figures from the area of remaining silent as what he termed a significant national symbol was being removed.

Despite the divided opinions, government has now formalised the change, marking a new chapter in the history of the country’s primary aviation hub.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested four key members of a dangerous carjacking syndicate linked to the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi.

The incident occurred on February 10, 2026, and has since been under intensive investigation by the police.

Coordinated Intelligence-Led Operation

Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police directed a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

Between February 18 and 22, 2026, four suspects believed to be members of the group, identified as the “Duku Syndicate,” were arrested in separate operations across Kumasi.

Suspects Arrested

The suspects have been identified as:

Akwasi Manu (47) – Arrested for unlawful possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung mobile phone, which provided a major breakthrough in the investigation.

Bashiru Tanko alias “TK” (33) – Arrested at Atonsu, Kumasi; linked to prior car-snatching activities.

Kojo Amponsah alias “Kamakazi” (35) – Arrested at Hwireso near Boankra; intelligence connects him to multiple violent robberies.

Emmanuel Kwame Appiah alias “Taller” (38) – Arrested at Danyame, Kumasi; identified as the syndicate’s driver during the fatal robbery.

Syndicate Leader Shot, Later Dies

The alleged leader of the group, Eric Antwi Duku (42), sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation on February 22, 2026. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police recovered several exhibits during the operation, including:

A Bruni Mod 84 pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition

A tracking detection device

Forged vehicle documents

A Toyota Corolla S (impounded)

Criminal Activities

Investigations indicate that the syndicate specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on their victims. The group had reportedly escalated to the use of lethal force.

The syndicate has been linked to:

The Amanfrom robbery

A separate fatal robbery at Kronum

Multiple vehicle thefts in Tarkwa and Kumasi

Ongoing Investigations

The suspects, who had previously evaded arrest and were wanted by the Western Central Regional Police Command, are currently in custody and will soon be arraigned before court.

The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, and efforts are underway to arrest additional accomplices.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and has encouraged the public to cooperate by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.

Just tell me which format you need.

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana’s mining sector must prioritize community welfare and long-term sustainability, insisting that extractive activities should leave a positive and lasting impact on host communities.

Speaking at the maiden Mining Local Content Summit in Takoradi, President Mahama stressed that responsible mining must go hand in hand with economic growth.

“Mining must leave our communities better than it found them,” the President stated firmly, drawing applause from stakeholders gathered at the summit.

Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer and one of the top six globally, generated nearly $6.6 billion in export revenues from the extractive sector in 2023. However, President Mahama noted that the benefits of mining have not always translated into meaningful development for mining communities.

“We have been prolific producers, but we have yet to become full participants in the extracted value chain,” he said. “This summit is about closing that gap.”

Responsible and Community-Centered Mining

The President emphasized that local content cannot be separated from responsible environmental and social practices.

“Local content cannot be separated from responsible and community-centered mining,” he said. “Traditional authorities and MMDAs will continue to play a decisive role in monitoring compliance and safeguarding community interests.”

President Mahama revealed that government is strengthening development agreements and community engagement frameworks under revised mining regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and environmental degradation.

“We will continue the fight against illegal mining and work to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sector,” he said. “We will intensify efforts to clean our water bodies and reclaim degraded lands.”

Beyond Raw Exports

Beyond environmental responsibility, President Mahama called for structural reforms to ensure Ghana benefits more from its mineral wealth.

“It is no longer acceptable for Ghana to continue exporting raw gold and importing finished products,” he declared. “Our mineral wealth must power Ghana’s industrialization—not merely sustain export dependence.”

He outlined a five-pillar strategy aimed at boosting local participation, promoting value addition, strengthening skills development, advancing technology and innovation, and expanding indigenous ownership in the sector.

“What will be the legacy of our mineral wealth 100 years from now?” the President asked. “Will it be recorded only in export statistics and royalty payments, or will it be remembered as the foundation upon which we built world-class industries and thriving Ghanaian enterprises?”

Call for Shared Responsibility

President Mahama stressed that government alone cannot transform the mining sector.

“Government cannot achieve this transformation alone,” he said. “To Ghanaian entrepreneurs, the bar for quality and innovation is high, but the opportunity is unprecedented. Prepare yourselves. Build partnerships. Compete boldly.”

He also assured international investors of Ghana’s stability while calling for genuine collaboration.

“Ghana offers you stability, policy clarity and long-term partnership, but we expect genuine collaboration that embeds capacity within our economy,” he stated.

Concluding his address, President Mahama expressed optimism that the Mining Local Content Summit would mark a turning point for the industry.

“If we get this right, our greatest export will not be raw gold or lithium,” he said. “Our greatest export will be Ghanaian talent, Ghanaian technology, Ghanaian enterprise, and a resilient and competitive mining economy.”

The summit is expected to produce policy recommendations aimed at deepening local participation and ensuring that Ghana’s mineral wealth translates into sustainable and inclusive national development.