Tsatsu Tsikata, born on October 1, 1950, is a distinguished Ghanaian academic and lawyer, renowned for his contributions in both the legal and political spheres of Ghana. He has also served as the former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and is notably associated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), being considered one of its prominent members.

Tsatsu Tsikata hails from Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, but he was raised in Adabraka, a suburb of Accra. His educational journey commenced at an early age, attending several preparatory schools before earning a scholarship from the United Africa Company (UAC) in 1960 to begin his secondary education at Mfantsipim School. Remarkably, he entered the University of Ghana, Legon, at the age of 14, completing his LL.B First Class degree at 18. Tsikata furthered his studies at Oxford University, obtaining first-class honors in Bachelor of Civil Law.

Tsikata embarked on an academic career, holding a Junior Research Fellowship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, and later becoming a lecturer at the law faculty of the University of Ghana in 1974. Noteworthy individuals, including current Speaker of the 8th Parliament of Ghana Alban Bagbin, were among his students.

In the legal arena, Tsikata has served as counsel to notable figures like Captain Kojo Tsikata, Kofi Awoonor, and President Jerry Rawlings. His involvement in high-profile cases includes being the lead counsel for the NDC in the first-ever electoral petition trial challenging the results of the 2012 elections.

Appointed as the Chief Executive of GNPC from October 1988 to December 2000 by the ruling NDC led by Jerry Rawlings, Tsikata played a crucial role in the management of Ghana's petroleum resources during his tenure.

Tsikata faced a trial for causing financial loss to the state during his role as CEO of GNPC. The trial, starting in 2002, lasted for six years, making it one of the longest involving a former government official in Ghana. Pronounced guilty in 2008, Tsikata was granted an unconditional pardon by then-President John Kufuor on his last day in office. However, he rejected the pardon, expressing his intent to clear his name through the court system.

Following the rejection of the presidential pardon, Tsikata was granted bail in January 2009, pending appeal. Ultimately, on November 30, 2016, an Appeals Court declared him innocent, quashing his five-year jail term.

Tsikata is a Christian and an elder at the Asbury Dunwell Church in Accra. Known for his asthmatic condition, which affected his childhood activities, he has been a keen cricketer. Tsikata is part of a family of seven siblings, with his father being Godwin Kwaku-Sru Tsikata. He is married to Esther Cobbah, and they have three children, including the award-winning Ghanaian musician M.anifest.

Tsatsu Tsikata's life is marked by his achievements in academia, law, and his resilience during legal challenges, making him a prominent figure in Ghanaian society.

Reference:

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