Edward Akufo-Addo (26 June 1906 – 17 July 1979) was a Ghanaian politician and lawyer. He was a member of the "Big Six" leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and one of the founding fathers of Ghana who engaged in the fight for Ghana's independence. He became the Chief Justice (1966–70), and later ceremonial President (1970–72), of the Republic of Ghana. He is the father of the former (executive) President of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.

Early life and education

Akufo-Addo was born on 26 June 1906 at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region to William Martin Addo-Danquah and Theodora Amuafi. Both of his parents were from the southern Ghanaian town of Akropong. He had his primary education at Presbyterian Primary and Middle Schools at Akropong. He continued to Presbyterian Training College, Akropong and Abetifi Theological Training College. In 1929, he entered Achimota College, where he won a scholarship to St Peter's College, Oxford. He studied mathematics, Politics and Philosophy and he went on to graduate with honours in philosophy and politics in 1933.

Pre-political career

Akufo-Addo was called to the Middle Temple Bar, London, UK, in 1940 He was also head of the NLC Political Commission during this same time period.

Personal life

Adeline Yeboakwa Akufo-Addo was the wife of Edward Akufo-Addo and they had four children. <!-- -->

Awards and honors

  • Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oxford in 1971.

See also

  • The Big Six
  • List of judges of the Supreme Court of Ghana
  • Chief Justice of Ghana
  • Heads of state of Ghana

References

  • "Dr. Edward Akufo Addo", Ghana Nation, 15 November 2011.

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