The Convention People’s Party (CPP) is calling on the Mahama administration to remove the names of all individuals associated with military coups from state monuments across the country. This follows government’s plan to rename the Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. Various groups over the years have urged government to make the change citing the role the former head of state played in the overthrew the of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah-led government. But the CPP wants government to do more.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, the CPP argued that Ghana must build a strong national stance against unconstitutional rule and actions that undermine democracy.
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the statement said: “The best way to fight corruption is to build a strong public opinion against it.” According to the CPP, the same principle applies to curbing coups and other societal vices — by ensuring they are widely regarded as unacceptable under the law, culture, and national values.
The party singled out Emmanuel E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that overthrew Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s government, stating that his name should serve as a reminder of betrayal rather than be honoured on national infrastructure.
The CPP described the 1966 coup as a dangerous precedent that emboldened elements within the armed forces to believe they could overthrow democratically elected governments by force. It argued that the culture of military intervention in politics, which followed that first coup, disrupted Ghana’s Second and Third Republics and led to loss of lives, destruction of property, torture, and deep national divisions.
With several countries in the West African sub-region currently under military rule, the CPP stressed the need for Ghana to safeguard its Fourth Republic, which was established following the 1992 referendum.
The party therefore commended President John Dramani Mahama and his government for what it described as a “bold move” to rename Kotoka International Airport, and urged further action.
Among its proposals, the CPP is demanding:
The removal of names of all coup makers from state monuments, including buildings, streets, and roads
The removal of images and memorials honouring individuals involved in coups
The posthumous de-ranking of Kotoka and other military officers who participated in overthrowing constitutional governments
The CPP believes such steps would serve as a strong deterrent to future unconstitutional actions and firmly position Ghana as a “no coup d’état zone.”
The statement ended with rallying calls in support of the CPP, Ghana’s Fourth Republic, and national unity.
