GhanaEx-NPP Chairman Odoi-Sykes Dies
Former Minority Leader and diplomat Samuel Odoi-Sykes has died at 97, his family announced. He served as NPP National Chairman from 1998 to 2001.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, a former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, died on Monday, 5 October 2026, his family said. He was 97.
Odoi-Sykes was a lawyer, diplomat, and politician who first entered Parliament in 1979 as the Member of Parliament for the Ashiedu Keteke Constituency.
He rose to become Minority Leader the following year and later served as NPP National Chairman from 1998 to 2001, a period that included the party's general election victory in December 2000.
Before his political career, Odoi-Sykes worked as a teacher and later joined the Ministry of Information, subsequently entering Ghana's Foreign Service in 1961.
His diplomatic postings took him to several countries, including India, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, where he held various roles.
From 2001 to 2006, he served as Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada. Odoi-Sykes was born in Accra and received his education at several institutions, including Accra Academy and the University of Ghana.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Amorkor Sykes, and four children. The family said details of funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
Key facts
- Samuel Odoi-Sykes died on Monday, 5 October 2026, at 97.
- He was a former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
- Odoi-Sykes served as Minority Leader and was a diplomat.
- He was Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada from 2001 to 2006.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The death of Samuel Odoi-Sykes has been announced by his family. He had a long career in politics and diplomacy. His funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Positive
Odoi-Sykes was a principled and courageous leader who made significant contributions to Ghana's politics and diplomacy. He will be remembered for his commitment to public service.
Negative
The death of Odoi-Sykes is a loss for Ghana's political landscape. His passing will be felt by those who knew him and worked with him.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
