EBENEZER AKO-ADJEI

Ako Adjei, a Ghanaian statesman, politician, lawyer, and journalist, played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana's political landscape during its struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Born on June 17, 1916, in Adjeikrom, a small village in the Akyem Abuakwa area of the Eastern Region of Ghana, Ako Adjei's journey towards becoming a key figure in Ghanaian politics began with his early education at Busoso Railway Primary School and La Presbyterian Schools.

Despite facing challenges such as long daily walks to school and financial constraints, Ako Adjei's determination propelled him through his education, eventually leading him to the Accra Academy and later to Lincoln University in the United States, where he furthered his studies and nurtured his passion for journalism.

Upon returning to Ghana, Ako Adjei immersed himself in the movement for political independence, becoming a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and playing a crucial role in introducing Kwame Nkrumah to the political scene. His recommendation of Nkrumah for the position of Organising Secretary of the UGCC proved instrumental in Ghana's journey towards independence.

Following Ghana's independence in 1957, Ako Adjei held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Interior and Justice and later Minister of Foreign Affairs. His tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs saw him advocating for African unity and playing a prominent role on the international stage, particularly during the era of the Cold War.

However, Ako Adjei's political career took a dramatic turn when he was wrongfully implicated in the Kulungugu bomb attack, an alleged assassination attempt on President Kwame Nkrumah's life. Despite being acquitted by the Supreme Court due to lack of credible evidence, Ako Adjei was retried and sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later commuted to a 20-year term.

Upon his release from prison following the overthrow of Nkrumah's government in 1966, Ako Adjei chose to retreat from politics and focus on his family and legal career. Despite his relative obscurity in later years, his contributions to Ghana's independence struggle and his unwavering commitment to democratic principles were widely acknowledged.

Ako Adjei's passing on January 14, 2002, marked the end of an era in Ghanaian politics. His legacy as one of the Big Six, the founding fathers of Ghana, continues to be remembered and honored, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation's freedom.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ako_Adjei