Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, has died at the age of 98.
A family statement said Mr Odoi-Sykes who also served as Minority Leader of Parliament died on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The family described him as a man of principled character, courage and firm leadership, with a lifelong commitment to public service and intellectual independence.
Mr Odoi-Sykes, who served as National Chairman of the NPP from 1998 to 2001, is remembered for leading the party during a period that culminated in its historic electoral victory in the December 2000 general election.
He also had a distinguished parliamentary and diplomatic career.
He entered Parliament after being elected Member of Parliament for Ashiedu Keteke in the 1979 elections and later 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 and 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 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 and 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 the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
In a tribute, the party leader and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wrote: "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.
He holds an honoured place in our history, having led the Party to its first general election victory in the Fourth Republic in 2000.
His service to Party and country will long be remembered.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Farewell, Chairman. May your soul rest in perfect peace."
