Biography

KOJO ACQUAH YANKAH

A LIFE OF SERVICE AND VISION

Early Life and Education

Kojo Acquah Yankah was born on August 16, 1945, in Agona Duakwa, located in the Agona East District of the Central Region of Ghana. From a young age, he demonstrated a thirst for knowledge, which led him to pursue primary education in various institutions throughout the Central Region. His academic journey continued at Adisadel College, where he completed his secondary education from 1960 to 1966. Yearning to make a difference, Mr. Yankah earned a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in English from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1972. His passion for education did not wane as he taught at Adisadel College from 1972 to 1974 and then pursued a Graduate Diploma in Journalism & Communication at the University of Ghana in 1976. His commitment to understanding Africa's narrative culminated in an M.Phil. in African Studies in 1988, further enriched by prestigious fellowships at the University of Nairobi in Kenya and Cornell University in New York.

Kojo the Journalist/PR practitioner/Communication consultant

Kojo Yankah’s career has been a beacon of excellence in journalism, public relations and communication consultancy. Beginning his professional journey with government institutions, he served the Information Services Department as Information Officer in the Research and Publications Department writing regularly for the Ghana Review. He was invited to join the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as Public Affairs Officer in 1976, and after two years assumed the role of Deputy Public Relations Manager for the giant industrial complex the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) from 1978 to 1980. Demonstrating an unparalleled entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Dateline Marketing Limited, publisher of Uhuru Magazine, and later Yankah & Associates, a pioneering public relations firm under which he engaged in meaningful and extensive communication consultancy for reputable local and international organizations. At the same time, as a freelance journalist, he wrote as a columnist for the Daily Graphic, and hosted radio and television programs such as Periscope, Talking Point and Face to Face for Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Kojo was invited to be editor of the Daily Graphic in January 1982 until March 1984 when he was appointed by the Government to be Director of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). His creative talents shone brightly when he created and produced the first ever local detective television series INSPECTOR BEDIAKO which became an instant hit in both Ghana and Nigeria. His dedication to journalistic integrity garnered him international recognition: in 1989 he was invited by the European Union to participate in the North-South Dialogue Educational campaign among European and African journalists. His articles written in the Netherlands and published in the Bijeen Magazine won him the First Prize medal and cash award (published as a book DIALOGUE WITH THE NORTH ?). In 1990, Kojo was again invited, this time by the United Nations Information Service, to join the UN Monitoring Mission in Namibia to cover the first ever Democratic elections in that country. His articles, published in the Daily Graphic, ended up extended as a book under the title “The Story of Namibia”

Kojo the Politician

In 1992, Mr. Yankah embraced the challenges of political service when he accepted an invitation from his constituents to stand for election following the lifting of the ban on political parties in Ghana. Elected as the Member of Parliament for the Agona East constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he made history as he was sworn into the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic on January 7, 1993. His journey continued as he served as Deputy Minister for Information, retaining his parliamentary seat in the 1996 elections, and subsequently assuming the roles of Central Regional Minister and Ashanti Regional Minister. In December 1999, Mr. Yankah gracefully transitioned from politics, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful governance and advocacy.

Kojo the Public-Spirited Person

A man of profound conviction, Mr. Yankah has tirelessly devoted himself to community service. His leadership as Chairman of the Marketing Committee and later the International Board of PANAFEST reflects his unwavering commitment to cultural heritage. His tenure as Chairman of the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust and participation in the Ghana Law Reform Commission further underscore his dedication to societal progress. Furthermore, as President of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, and a current Fellow of the same organization, he has inspired countless individuals in the field. Mr. Yankah's appointment as Executive Chairman of the Pan African Heritage World Museum in 2020 and his patronage of the Ghana Culture Forum since 2022 highlight his enduring commitment to cultural promotion and preservation.

Kojo the Entrepreneur/Visionary

A visionary and entrepreneur, Mr. Yankah founded Uhuru Communications, which published Uhuru Magazine, and established Yankah & Associates as a leading public relations firm. He was instrumental in founding the Africa Institute of Journalism and Communications in 2002, which evolved into the African University College of Communications (AUCC) and has recently been chartered as the African University of Communications & Business (AUCB). His founding of the Pan African Heritage World Museum in 2020 furthers his mission to celebrate and preserve Africa's rich cultural heritage.

Kojo, the supporter of Community Development

Dedicated to uplifting his community, Mr. Yankah founded the Duakwa Vocational Technology Institute and leads the Development Advisory Committee in his hometown of Agona Duakwa. His steadfast support for the youth reflects his unwavering belief in the potential of the next generation to effect meaningful change.

Kojo the Author

As an accomplished author, Mr. Yankah has penned numerous works that reflect his profound understanding of culture and society. His notable publications include "Crossroads at Ankobea" (1982), "End of a Journey: A Journalist’s Report from the Libyan Jamahiriya" (1984), "Dialogue with the North" (1989), "The Story of Namibia" (1990), "The Trial of J.J. Rawlings: Echoes of the 31st December Revolution" (1992), "Introduction to Branding and Marketing Communications Management" (2007), "Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: The King on the Golden Stool" (2009), "Proactive Public Relations" (2016, co-authored), "Our Motherland – My Life" (2018), and "From Jamestown to Jamestown - Letters to an African Child" (2019). His literary contributions received recognition when he was honored as the Ghana International Book Fair Personality of the Year in 2021.

Kojo the Husband & Father

In his personal life, Mr. Yankah has navigated both the joys of love and the sorrow of loss. He has been married to Susan Roseline Esi Thompson and Ekua Essandoh, both of whom have passed away. Currently, he shares his life with Nana Nyarkoa Yankah. As a father, he is blessed with seven children: Atta Panyin Yankah, Atta Kakra Yankah, Kwesi Yankah, Abena Yankah (Dr. Abena Adelowo), Nana Ama Yankah, Esi Yankah and Maame Nyakoa Yankah (Maame Boateng Esq.) Step Children: Stefan & Natasha Holdbrook

Kojo Acquah Yankah’s life serves as an inspiring testament to the power of service, dedication, and vision. His enduring commitment to journalism, public service, education, and cultural preservation has left an indelible mark on the lives he has touched and the communities he has served. In every endeavor, Mr. Yankah exemplifies the transformative impact of unwavering dedication and a resolute spirit.

Kojo the Grandpa

Mr. Yankah takes pride in being a grandfather to eight delightful grandchildren: Renee Susan Yankah, Adrian Yankah, Phoebe Adelowo, Eli Adelowo, Kwame Gyamfi Boateng II, Opanyin Yaw Boateng, Kobina Acquah Yankah, and Efua Twumasiwa Yankah, as well as Abena Owusuwa Yankah. Yankah, Esi Yankah and Maame Nyakoa Yankah (Maame Boateng Esq.)