The Supreme Court has given the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice seven days to respond to a lawsuit challenging the reported renaming of Kotoka International Airport.
The directive was issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, after state attorneys requested additional time to file their statement of case in the matter of Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers v. Attorney-General.
The suit was filed by lawyer and policy analyst Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, who is questioning the legality of any attempt to alter the name of the airport without parliamentary approval or legislative amendment.
At the hearing, lawyers representing the state appealed to the court for more time to address the substantive legal issues raised in the case.
The Supreme Court granted the request but imposed a seven-day deadline, stressing the need for speedy determination of the matter.
The plaintiff argues that the name “Kotoka International Airport” is protected under the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NRCD 339), and therefore cannot be changed through administrative action alone.
According to court documents, the suit seeks a constitutional interpretation of the powers of the executive in relation to the renaming of state institutions and national assets.
Counsel for the plaintiff, Michael Akosah, told journalists after proceedings that any decision to rename the airport must follow established legal procedures, including parliamentary processes where applicable.
He maintained that the case is necessary to clarify the limits of executive authority and uphold constitutional governance.
The Attorney-General is expected to file the state’s response before the case returns to court for further hearing.
The outcome of the case is anticipated to shape future decisions concerning the naming and renaming of public infrastructure and national landmarks in Ghana.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
