Ghana Aviation: Families of Tema Crash Victims Seek Privacy as Accra International Airport Completes Rebranding

The Wettey and Donkor families have formally appealed for privacy as they mourn the tragic loss of their sons, Captain Frank Amoanyi Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor. The two young men lost their lives in a microlight aircraft crash that occurred in Tema Community 1 on March 16, 2026. In a statement released on March 21, the families described the deceased as "bright lights" whose sudden passing has left a profound void, while expressing their deep appreciation for the outpouring of public sympathy during this harrowing period.

Beyond the public support, the grieving families extended their gratitude to various Ghanaian state agencies for their swift and professional intervention following the accident. They commended the first responders and investigators for their handling of the crash site and the subsequent administrative processes. While the families continue to come to terms with the loss, they have requested that the media and the general public respect their need for a quiet period of mourning. Further information regarding the funeral arrangements for the two men will be communicated to the public in due course.

In a separate development within the nation’s aviation sector, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced the successful completion of signage upgrades at the newly renamed Accra International Airport. This milestone, achieved on March 21, 2026, follows a period of public criticism regarding the state of navigation aids within the facility. The project, which involved significant repainting and structural enhancements to signs, was carried out primarily during night-time hours to ensure that traveler movement and flight operations at Terminal 3 were not disrupted despite initial delays in the project timeline.

The signage project is part of a broader rebranding effort following the Ministry of Transport’s decision to restore the facility's original name, transitioning it from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. GACL officials emphasized that while the name change is a significant administrative shift, it will not compromise operational safety or efficiency. The company also noted that public feedback played a crucial role in prioritizing these upgrades, as they strive to maintain the airport's status as a premier regional aviation hub. Stakeholders have been urged to cooperate as phased updates to documentation and digital systems continue for a smooth implementation.