The Supreme Court of Ghana has instructed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to submit a response within seven days regarding a lawsuit that challenges the purported renaming of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
This directive was issued on Thursday, 14 May 2026, during a session in which the apex court considered a request from the Attorney-General for an extension of time to file a Statement of Case in the case titled Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers v. Attorney-General.
The plaintiff, Mr. Brako-Powers, who is a lawyer and policy analyst, initiated the lawsuit in March 2026, disputing the government’s decision to rename the Kotoka International Airport. He argues that this action was not executed in accordance with the applicable legal framework, including the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NRCD 339).
He asserts that any legitimate alteration to the airport’s name must be accomplished through a formal amendment or repeal of the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NRCD 339), rather than through an executive announcement or administrative directive.
The contention revolves around the historical and legal significance of one of Ghana’s essential national infrastructure assets, which has been closely linked to Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.
Counsel for the plaintiff, Michael Akosah, informed journalists that any effort to change the airport’s name must adhere strictly to constitutional and statutory obligations, including sufficient consultation and parliamentary approval when necessary.
Representatives for the state, led by a Chief State Attorney, appeared before the Supreme Court of Ghana and requested additional time to adequately address the substantive legal matters presented in the case.
While the Court approved the request for an extension of time, it emphasized the importance of prompt proceedings and thus ordered the Attorney-General to file a response within seven days to prevent unnecessary delays in the hearing.
The plaintiff asserts that the issue transcends mere historical or political factors, presenting significant inquiries regarding constitutional governance, administrative authority, and the boundaries of executive power.
The Attorney-General is anticipated to clarify whether the current legal framework allows the executive or any state institution to independently rename national landmarks without the consent of Parliament.
Following the Attorney-General’s submission of its response, the case is expected to return to the Supreme Court, with legal analysts characterizing it as a potentially pivotal ruling on the legal procedures that regulate the naming and renaming of public assets in Ghana.
