JUSTICE DANIEL FRANCIS ANNAN

Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Annan, born on November 7, 1928, in Accra, Ghana, was a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics and judiciary. His multifaceted career spanned law, public service, and sports.

Daniel Annan's early life was marked by a lineage connected to Gã State royalty, with his maternal great-grandfather being the King of Gã State, Tackie Tawia I of Accra. He commenced his education at King's College in Lagos and later attended Accra Academy for his secondary education. His academic journey led him to the United Kingdom, where he studied law at the University of Hull, earning an LL.B (Hons) degree in 1956. Subsequently, he was called to the bar at the Middle Temple, UK, in 1958.

His career began at the Attorney General's department in Accra, where he held various positions, starting as Assistant State Attorney and rising to Senior State Attorney by 1964. Annan transitioned to the judiciary in 1964 as a Circuit Court Judge, climbing the ranks to become a High Court Judge in 1966 and an Appeal Court Judge in 1971. In addition to his judicial roles, he served in various capacities, including Stool Lands Boundaries Settlement Commissioner, Member of the Legal Class Appointment Board, Chairman of the Press Freedom and Complaints Committee, Chairman of the Ghana Police Council, and chairman of the National Economic Commission.

Annan's political career was marked by his appointment to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) in 1984, where he served as deputy to Jerry Rawlings, the Head of State of Ghana. He played a pivotal role as Chairman of the National Commission for Democracy, overseeing preparations for Ghana's return to democracy. Annan's political journey culminated in his election as the Speaker of Parliament in January 1993, a position he held during the first and second parliaments of Ghana's Fourth Republic until 2001. He also served as the acting President of Ghana in the absence of both the President and Vice President.

Beyond his legal and political contributions, Annan had a passion for sports. He held leadership roles in the Ghana Boxing Promotion Syndicate, the Ghana Boxing Authority, and served as the President of the Ghana National Olympic Committee from 1983 to 1985.

In recognition of his exceptional service, Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Annan received the Star of Ghana, one of the prestigious state awards. Sadly, he passed away on July 16, 2006, in Accra after a period of illness, leaving behind a legacy of legal acumen, political leadership, and dedication to sports development in Ghana.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Francis_Annan