Vice President and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has mourned the death of former NPP National Chairman and Minority Leader, Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes.
Mr Odoi-Sykes died on Monday, October 5, 2026, according to his family.
In a tribute, Dr Bawumia described the late politician as a founding member of the NPP who played a significant role in the party’s history, including leading it to its first general election victory in the Fourth Republic in 2000.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of H.E. Samuel Odoi Sykes, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom) who served as National Chairman and Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada,” Dr Bawumia wrote.
He said Mr Odoi-Sykes held an honoured place in the history of the NPP and praised his contribution to the party and the country.
“His service to Party and country will long be remembered,” Dr Bawumia said.
Mr Odoi-Sykes was a former Member of Parliament for the Ashiedu Keteke Constituency and served as Minority Leader in Parliament after winning the seat in the 1979 elections.
He later served as National Chairman of the NPP from 1998 to 2001, during which period the party won the presidential and parliamentary elections held in December 2000.
Beyond politics, Mr Odoi-Sykes had a long career in public service and diplomacy. He began his working life as a teacher before joining the Ministry of Information and later entering Ghana’s Foreign Service in 1961.
His diplomatic assignments took him to India, the United States, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, where he served in various capacities, including First Secretary, Press Attaché, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
He was also a Barrister-at-Law, having been called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in the United Kingdom before being admitted to the Ghana Bar.
Born in Accra, Mr Odoi-Sykes attended Accra Academy, the University of Ghana, the University of London and Johns Hopkins University.
His family described him as a man of principle, courage and firm leadership who dedicated his life to public service and intellectual independence.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Amorkor Sykes, and four children, Cynthia Omaboe, Mavis Amoa, Vincent Sykes and Frank Sykes.
Dr Bawumia extended his condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.
“Farewell, Chairman. May your soul rest in perfect peace,” he added.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
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