The Supreme Court has directed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to file a response within seven days in a legal challenge contesting the reported renaming of Kotoka International Airport.
The directive was issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, when the apex court heard an application by the Attorney-General seeking additional time to file a statement of case in the suit titled Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers v. Attorney-General.
The case was filed in March 2026 by lawyer and policy analyst Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, who is challenging the legality of the government’s reported decision to rename Kotoka International Airport.
According to the plaintiff, any attempt to rename the airport must comply strictly with existing laws, particularly the General Kotoka Trust Decree, 1969 (NLCD 339), which legally established the airport’s current name.
In the writ filed before the Supreme Court, Mr. Brako-Powers argued that the Executive cannot unilaterally rename the airport through administrative directives or public announcements without first amending or repealing the relevant legislation through Parliament.
“Any Executive order purportedly issued to effect the renaming of Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport is null, void, and of no legal effect,” portions of the suit stated.
The plaintiff further contends that the reported renaming breaches provisions of Articles 11(1)(d) and 11(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which recognise existing laws and outline the legal procedures required for their amendment.
Lawyers for the state, led by a Chief State Attorney, requested more time to adequately respond to the constitutional and legal issues raised in the suit.
Although the court granted the request, it stressed the need for expedited proceedings and ordered the Attorney-General to file the response within seven days.
Counsel for the plaintiff, Michael Akosah of Adu-Gyamfi & Associates, told journalists after proceedings that the case raises significant constitutional questions concerning executive authority, governance, and the management of national assets.
According to him, any decision affecting the official designation of a major national facility such as Kotoka International Airport must undergo proper constitutional and parliamentary processes.
The case is expected to return before the Supreme Court after the Attorney-General files its response, with legal observers describing it as a potentially significant ruling on governance and the management of public assets in Ghana.
