The Supreme Court has ordered the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to respond within seven days in a case challenging the reported renaming of Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
The directive was issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during proceedings in the case of Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers v. Attorney-General.
The Attorney-General had asked the court for more time to file a statement of case. Although the request was granted, the court stressed the need for a speedy hearing and set a seven-day deadline for the response.
Mr Brako-Powers filed the suit in March 2026. He argues that the reported renaming of the airport did not follow the required legal process under the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NRCD 339).
According to him, any change to the airport’s official name must be done through a formal amendment or repeal of the law. He insists it cannot be done through an executive announcement or administrative directive.
The case focuses on the legal status of Kotoka International Airport, which is named after Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.
Lawyer Michael Akosah, counsel for the plaintiff, said any attempt to rename the airport must follow constitutional and legal procedures, including parliamentary approval where necessary.
State lawyers, led by a Chief State Attorney, said they needed more time to address the legal issues raised in the suit.
Mr Brako-Powers also argues that the case raises wider constitutional questions about executive power and the legal process for renaming state assets.
The Attorney-General is expected to clarify whether the executive branch or state institutions can rename national landmarks without approval from Parliament.
The case will return to the Supreme Court after the Attorney-General files its response. Legal observers say the ruling could shape future decisions on the management of public assets in Ghana.
