Former National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, has died at the age of 98.
According to a statement issued by his family, Mr Odoi-Sykes died on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The family described him as a man of principled character, courage and firm leadership who devoted his life to public service and intellectual independence.
Mr Odoi-Sykes served as National Chairman of the NPP from 1998 to 2001 and is remembered for leading the party during a period that culminated in its historic victory in the December 2000 general elections.
He also had a distinguished career in Parliament and diplomacy.
He entered Parliament after winning the Ashiedu Keteke constituency in the 1979 elections and subsequently became Minority Leader in 1980.
A lawyer and diplomat, Mr Odoi-Sykes served as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada from 2001 to 2006.
His career in public service began as a teacher before he joined the Ministry of Information.
He later entered Ghana’s Foreign Service in 1961.
His diplomatic career took him to several countries, including India, the United States, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, where he served in various capacities.
His diplomatic postings included First Secretary, Press Attaché, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Mr Odoi-Sykes was a Barrister-at-Law who was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple before being admitted to the Ghana Bar.
Born in Accra, he received his education at Accra Academy, the University of Ghana, the University of London and Johns Hopkins University.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Amorkor Sykes, and four children: Cynthia Omaboe, Mavis Amoa, Vincent Sykes and Frank Sykes.
The family said further details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
