‘He has indeed paid his dues’ – NPP mourns veteran statesman Samuel Odoi-Sykes

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has mourned the passing of Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, recognizing him as a founding pillar of the party and a distinguished statesman who dedicated decades to Ghana's democratic development. In a statement released by NPP National Chairman John Boadu, it was announced that Odoi-Sykes' death marked the conclusion of a significant era in Ghana's political landscape.

Odoi-Sykes was a founding member of the NPP and held the position of National Chairman from 1998 to 2001. During his leadership, the party achieved a historic electoral victory in the 2000 general elections, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in Ghana's Fourth Republic. The NPP acknowledged his crucial role in fortifying the party's foundational structure during its early stages.

Prior to his tenure as National Chairman, Odoi-Sykes had already made his mark in Ghana's political sphere. He was a Member of Parliament for Ashiedu Keteke, now Odododiodioo, during Ghana's Third Republic and subsequently served as the Minority Leader in Parliament. The NPP highlighted his esteemed leadership and unwavering advocacy for constitutional democracy while he was in Parliament.

Post his tenure as National Chairman, Odoi-Sykes continued his service to the nation on the diplomatic front. He served as Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada from 2001 to 2006, fostering strong Ghana-Canada relations. Throughout his career, Odoi-Sykes was a valued member of multiple national and party committees, providing valuable counsel, strategic leadership, and institutional knowledge.

The NPP described him as a man of integrity, humility, and intellect whose dedication to Ghana's democratic progress earned him respect regardless of political affiliations. While Ghana has lost a distinguished public servant, the NPP has lost one of its most revered elder statesmen and steadfast architects of the nation.