Tribute: From classroom to political arena, Prof. Naa Afarley Sackeyfio was an exceptional groundbreaker

On reflection, perhaps “exceptional” doesn’t even come close to an appropriate description of Prof. Naa Afarley Sackeyfio, outstanding educationist, writer and groundbreaking politician, who has died, aged 85. Her funeral takes place in Accra on February 24, 2026.

Regrettably, despite the consequential achievements, of this “brilliant academic”, as one of her colleagues described her to me, she leaves this life still not honoured with a State Award.

A renowned Professor of English Language, and longtime lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, she was respected in academic circles for her scholarship.

And she earned a historic place in Ghanaian politics when in 1992, she was chosen as his vice-presidential candidate by founder and leader of the National Independence Party (NIP), multimillionaire and entrepreneur Mr. Kwabena Darko – the first woman to earn that privileged position in the Fourth Republic.

Prof Naa Afarley Sackeyfio

Apart from her high profile in university education and in politics; and as a celebrated writer of educational books, I have a very personal experience of her pragmatism, resourcefulness and benevolence. 

However, it is the unfortunate, evident erasure of her link to an innovative, trailblazing idea, her ‘signature message’ during the 1992 general election which, more than anything else, has prompted this tribute.

As I recall, Prof. Sackeyfio was the first Ghanaian politician to campaign for a national holiday for Muslims. It was her signature message on the NIP campaign rounds. She promised that if the NIP was voted into power, they would institute that holiday.  

Not surprisingly, at the time it sounded outrageous, unrealistic and was dismissed – usually the fate of new or original ideas. So novel was it that some treated it as a joke, just another vote-catching ‘political talk’ with all the negative connotations. 

Prof.’s daughter, Ewuraba Amonoowa Sam, confirmed a few days ago the Muslim holiday proposal her mother made, recalling that her friends used to tease her about it in school, during her sixth form years in Holy Child School, Cape Coast. 

Interestingly, her ingenious proposal of a national holiday for Muslims apparently ignited lasting interest in some quarters. And the rest is history.

Yet, nobody mentions the name of the advocate of that idea: the NIP’s Prof. Sackeyfio, although its implementation later is believed to have contributed enormously to national cohesion, and counting.

Prof Naa Afarley Sackeyfio

A summary of her CV, from the internet:

• Academic career: She spent most of her career at the University of Cape Coast, contributing significantly to teaching, scholarship, and English Language education.
• Literary work: An acclaimed author and poet, she was known for popular educational books, including Tales My Mother Used to Tell, Culture Clothed in Tales, and Comprehension Plus.
• Legacy: She was known as a dedicated educator, often referred to for her high-profile English textbooks that influenced many students in Ghana.

In a 2020 article, I had cause to cite Prof. Sackeyfio’s political stint:

ARTICLE EXCERPTS:

“Again, congratulations are in order, to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang who on Monday, July 6 was named as the running mate of former President John Mahama for the (2020) elections. This is the first time a major political party has put a woman on its presidential ticket.

“Another interesting aspect of her nomination is that she is the second woman Vice-Presidential candidate linked to the University of Cape Coast. In 1992, Professor Naa Afarley Sackeyfio, a former UCC lecturer, was chosen by Mr. Kwabena Darko of the National Independence Party, as his running mate.

“But the UCC duo can’t claim all the credit. In 1979 (Third Republic), Lt-Col Christine Kwabea Debrah was the trailblazer, the running mate of Independent presidential candidate, Dr R.P. Baffour.” (‘Congrats in order, and some sunshine in the gloom’, Native Daughter column, The Mirror weekly, Saturday, July 11, 2020.)

Furthermore, I think the following poignant tribute, posted online by Kate Annan-Wilberforce, apparently her former student, expresses effectively the essence of Prof Sackeyfio’s personality and her achievements:

“A unique woman of excellence!!! Naa Afarley Sackeyfio was in a class of her own. In her subtle ways she engraved writing style in all her students and readers. Her books brought the best out of readers, who adopted and adapted her infectious humourous skills in writing. 

Prof Naa Afarley Sackeyfio in her younger days

“When teachers found it difficult to get students to be a bit humorous in the narratives, her books came in handy. Her books developed students' vocabulary, style of writing and, above all, love for reading. She took keen interest in nurturing the teachers in the use of the books to ensure maximum results.

“Her constant visits to the department with goodies to encourage us can never be forgotten.

“She was our mum, our teacher and friend.

“You exit the stage of life, but you have left your voice and ideas through your books for posterity. You live on for as long as your books are read. We thank God for who you were,” Ms. Annan-Wilberforce concluded.

Again, it’s unfair that despite her considerable academic impact and political pacesetting, the State did not give her an award.

Happily, there was recognition from an important organisation. In 1999, the Millennium Excellence Foundation recognised Prof. Sackeyfio’s contribution to education and national development with one of its prestigious awards.

Little wonder that in June 2021 Anuga Fortunate, clearly a fan, wrote this compelling post on the Modern Ghana site:

“A light has been nudging my mind for a long time now: why has Professor Naa Afarley Sackefio, the legendary English Language teacher, writer, educationist, poet, orator par excellence and a Ghanaian cultural defender, not been given an award for her unparalleled contribution to our English education in particular, and education in general?

“I have a feeling the State needs to award her whilst she is still alive not for her sake, but for the sake of the millions of students across the country, Africa and the world who not only see her as a worthy role model, but also as a mother who has literally spoon-fed them with the intricacies and nuances of the Queen’s Language!

“The world would be horrified to learn that this internationally acclaimed writer is yet to be fully appreciated by her kith and kin! Time and tide wait for no one!” he wrote.

Prof Sackeyfio in her younger days 

Indeed, time and tide wait for no one. Prof.’s passing underscores the need for a permanent national office to identify people deserving of a State Award, as I suggested in an article some time ago, especially those who have somehow slipped through the cracks.

Notably, while working on this article, I realised that many well-informed people had no recollection of Prof.’s signature message, although they remembered very well her NIP role. Nonetheless, thankfully, some colleague journalists and a few senior citizens did remember.

My personal experience of another side of Prof. Sackeyfio, her big heart, happened in 1996, far from the 1992 political campaign period, when we had met. Yet, when on an impulse I sent her an SOS, she responded immediately. 

My SOS was about a Senior High School placement for my daughter. Although she had very good Junior High School exam results, her preferred school in Cape Coast had placed her on a waiting list, causing our family misery and anxiety.

Prof. promised to help find an equally good school for her. Her immediate response had been a humorous, reassuring “don’t panic”, followed by “I will do it.”

And she did help my daughter gain admission to one of the top schools, Bishop Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, in Takoradi. Needless to say, for that singular act of goodwill, my family remains eternally grateful to Prof. Sackeyfio.

Mr. (now Rev Dr) Darko, CEO of the famous Darko Farms, deserves praise for recognising Prof. Sackeyfio’s sharp intellect and political potential for the NIP, and possibly for Ghana.

Certainly, Anuga Fortunate was right. And in my opinion, for her bold, original 1992 signature message alone, Prof. Naa Afarley Sackeyfio should have been deemed worthy of a State Award. Clearly, the seed she planted in 1992 germinated years later, and is still flourishing.

Prof. Sackeyfio died on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Her funeral takes place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono.

However, the memorial service will be on Sunday, March 1, at the Christ the King Catholic Church, Cantonments, Accra.

Dear Prof., “your memory is a light to guide us. Rest well.”