JAKE OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY

Jacob "Jake" Lantei Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, born on February 4, 1946, in Accra, Ghana, emerged as a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics and advertising. His journey traversed both sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. The third son of Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, a distinguished lawyer and politician, and Margaretha, his Dutch wife, Jake received his primary education in Accra before pursuing further studies in England.

Jake's professional trajectory commenced in 1966 when he delved into radio and TV scriptwriting, commentary, and presentation at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). Subsequently, in 1969, he transitioned to Lintas West Africa, an advertising firm, where he excelled as an account executive and radio and television producer. His role as Client Service Manager of Lintas in Ghana in 1971 saw him spearhead the Family Planning Motivation Campaign for the Ghana National Family Planning Programme. Jake's tenure culminated in his appointment as General Manager of Lintas in Ghana in 1974, leading to involvement in various projects across Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya. His contributions extended globally as he served as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1984 to 1999. Notably, he played a pivotal role as the Plenary Speaker at the World Summit on AIDS in London and the Second International Symposium on the disease in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In tandem with his advertising career, Jake made significant strides in politics. He notably served as the national campaign manager of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the landmark 2000 Presidential elections, which marked Ghana's inaugural civilian-to-civilian transition of power. His pivotal role underscored his strategic prowess and dedication to political reform. Subsequently, Jake assumed various cabinet roles under President John Kufuor's administration, including Minister for Presidential Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital, and Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations.

In recognition of his leadership qualities, Jake was elected the national chairman of the New Patriotic Party in 2010, a position he held until 2014. His tenure was characterized by efforts to strengthen the party's organizational structure and mobilize support.

Tragically, Jake's life was cut short when he succumbed to leukemia on March 20, 2016, at the age of 70. His passing marked the end of an era marked by dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Ghana.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Obetsebi-Lamptey