The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has disclosed that a bill will be brought before Parliament to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.
He explained that the proposed change is aimed at recognizing the contributions of the people of Accra, whose land was used to build the capital city’s airport.
The announcement came during a leadership media briefing on Tuesday, as Parliament resumed for the first meeting of the second session of the 9th Parliament.
“It used to be called, I think, Accra International Airport… There was no business for changing it. We are resetting Ghana. This has nothing to do with the personality of Kotoka.”
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“The people of Accra sacrificed their land for the building of the capital city, and so we need to show appreciation. That is why it will now be Accra International Airport,” he said.
The Majority Leader stressed that the previous renaming to Kotoka International Airport did not reflect the contributions of the local community. The decision, he said, is purely about honoring the people of Accra, rather than any individual.
In addition to the airport renaming, Mr. Ayariga highlighted a busy legislative agenda for the session, which includes:
Education Sector:
- Amendment to the Colleges of Education Act to reflect their transformation into universities.
- Bills for the Ghana Book Development Council and the establishment of the Centre for Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENLOS).
- Regulations for the National Teaching Council, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, National School Inspectorate Authority, and Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
Justice and Legal Reforms:
- Legal Profession Bill to ensure quality assurance in law faculties.
- Legal Education Reform Bill, incorporating extensive stakeholder consultations.
- Tribunals Bill, as promised in the NDC manifesto.
- Amendments to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court civil procedure rules to digitize legal processes.
- Review of the Extradition Act and proposals for a new Economic and Organised Crime Act.
Security and Community:
- Community Service Bill to provide alternative sentences for minor offenses, reducing congestion in prisons.
- Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill.
- Regulations governing gaming, birthright, and diaspora certificates.
Transport and Infrastructure:
- Maritime and Related Offenses Bill.
- Road traffic regulations to govern Okada (commercial motorcycle) and tricycle operations.
- Ghana Shippers Council regulations.
Economic Reforms:
24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, aimed at creating a system where factories, services, fuel stations, and ports can operate round-the-clock to boost productivity and create jobs.
Mr. Ayariga also defended the frequent use of Certificates of Urgency in Parliament, explaining that many bills taken this way are revised versions of earlier proposals that have already undergone extensive committee review. He said the practice ensures efficiency without compromising scrutiny.
He stressed the Legal Education Reform Bill as an example, which underwent substantial stakeholder input during recess.
The Majority Leader emphasized that the government is steadily addressing key economic fundamentals, such as interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and utilities, to create a conducive environment for businesses to operate efficiently, including in the 24-hour economy framework.
“Slow but sure, this government is delivering on all facets of its promises,” he said.