National Identity, Global Branding, and the Case for “Accra International Airport”

The renewed public conversation about Ghana’s principal international airport provides an opportunity for thoughtful national reflection. Beyond political rhetoric or emotional reactions lies a deeper question: How should a nation present itself symbolically to the world?

International airports serve not only logistical functions but also diplomatic, economic, and cultural ones. They are gateways through which national identity is projected. For that reason, many countries intentionally adopt geographically neutral naming conventions centered on cities or regions rather than individuals.

In Ghana’s case, global aviation systems already identify the airport primarily through the code ACC — Accra. Whether purchasing airline tickets, managing cargo logistics, or tracking international travel, the dominant reference is the capital city itself. This demonstrates that Accra, not any individual historical figure, functions as Ghana’s primary international aviation identity.

Adopting “Accra International Airport” would therefore align official naming with existing global practice while offering several strategic benefits:

1. Strengthened National Branding
City-based naming improves global recognition, tourism marketing, and diplomatic clarity.

2. Reduced Historical Polarization
While history must never be erased, national infrastructure should ideally foster unity rather than revive political divisions.

3. Institutional Maturity
Prioritizing national identity over individual legacy signals confidence in state institutions rather than personality-centered narratives.

4. Forward-Looking Development Focus
A neutral national symbol encourages attention toward infrastructure quality, passenger experience, safety, and efficiency — the factors that truly determine international reputation.

This discussion should not devolve into partisan disputes or ethnic sensitivities. Ghana’s democratic progress has been built on relative stability, tolerance, and institutional evolution. Preserving that maturity requires thoughtful discourse rather than inflammatory rhetoric.

Ultimately, the issue is not about honoring or dishonoring any historical actor. It is about how Ghana chooses to represent itself in a rapidly globalizing world.

A national airport should speak first and foremost for the nation.

“Accra International Airport” does precisely that — simple, inclusive, internationally recognizable, and future-oriented.

BY Isaac Yaw Asiedu, PhD
Author: Shifting Mindsets for Sustainable Development in Africa: Political Economy Perspective

Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK 2025