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{{Short description|Designer of the Ghana national flag (1922–2015)}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Theodosia Salome Okoh
| name = Theodosia Salome Okoh
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| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_name = Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1922|06|13|df=y}}<ref name="graphic">{{cite web | first1=Andoh | last1=Charles | url=http://graphic.com.gh/features/features/24959-theodosia-okoh-turns-92-and-still-flies-high-the-flag-of-ghana.html | title=Theodosia Okoh turns 92 and still flies high the flag of Ghana | publisher=graphic.com.gh | accessdate=13 June 2014}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1922|06|13|df=y}}<ref name="graphic">{{cite web | first1=Andoh | last1=Charles | url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/features/features/theodosia-okoh-turns-92-and-still-flies-high-the-flag-of-ghana.html | title=Theodosia Okoh turns 92 and still flies high the flag of Ghana | publisher=graphic.com.gh |date=12 June 2014|accessdate=13 June 2014}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Effiduase]], [[Gold Coast (British colony)]]
| birth_place = [[Effiduase]], [[Gold Coast (British colony)|Gold Coast]]
| death_date = {{death date and age |2015|04|19|1922|06|13|df=y}}<ref name="citideath">{{cite web | url=http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.dpbs | title=Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92 | publisher=Citifmonline | date=20 April 2015 | accessdate=19 April 2015}}</ref>
| death_date = {{death date and age |2015|04|19|1922|06|13|df=y}}<ref name="citideath">{{cite web | url=http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.dpbs | title=Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92 | publisher=Citifmonline | date=20 April 2015 | access-date=19 April 2015 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427170344/http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.dpbs | archivedate=27 April 2015 }}</ref>
| death_place = [[Tema|Tema, Ghana]]
| death_place = [[Tema|Tema, Ghana]]
| monuments =
| monuments =
| residence =
| nationality =
| nationality =
| other_names =
| other_names =
| ethnicity = <!-- Ethnicity should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| citizenship = [[Ghanaian]]
| citizenship = [[Ghanaian]]
| education =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| occupation =
| known_for = Design of the [[Flag]] of [[Ghana]]
| known_for = Design of the [[flag]] of [[Ghana]]
| notable_works = [[Flag of Ghana|Ghana National Flag]]
| notable_works = [[Flag of Ghana|Ghana national flag]]
⚫
| title = Chairman of the [[Ghana Hockey Association]] and President of the Ghana Hockey Federation<ref name="Theodosia Okoh">{{cite web|title=Madam Theodosia Okoh - Joan Of Arc Of Ghana Hockey|url=http://www.justiceghana.com/index.php/sports-entertainment/6441-madam-theodosia-okoh-joan-of-arc-of-ghana-hockey|publisher=Justice Ghana|accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref>
| home_town =
⚫
| title = Chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association and President of the Ghana Hockey Federation<ref name="Theodosia Okoh">{{cite web|title=Madam Theodosia Okoh - Joan Of Arc Of Ghana Hockey|url=http://www.justiceghana.com/index.php/sports-entertainment/6441-madam-theodosia-okoh-joan-of-arc-of-ghana-hockey|publisher=Justice Ghana|accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref>
| boards =
| boards =
| religion = <!-- Religion should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| spouse = Enoch Kwabena Okoh
| denomination = <!-- Denomination should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| spouse =
| partner = <!-- unmarried life partner; use ''Name (1950–present)'' -->
| partner = <!-- unmarried life partner; use ''Name (1950–present)'' -->
| children =
| children = 3
| parents = Rev. & Mrs. Asihene
| parents = Rev. and Mrs Asihene
| relatives =
| relatives = [[Ian Jones-Quartey]] (grandson) <br> [[Rebecca Sugar]] (granddaughter-in-law)
| callsign =
| callsign =
| awards =
| awards =
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}}
}}


'''Theodosia Salome Okoh''' (13 June 1922<ref name="graphic"/> – 19 April 2015<ref name="citideath"/>) was a [[Ghana]]ian stateswoman, teacher and artist known for designing [[Flag of Ghana|Ghana's flag]] in 1957.<ref>[http://newsafricanow.com/5-things-we-should-all-know-about-theodosia-okoh-the-woman-who-designed-the-ghana-flag/ "5 Things We Should All Know About Theodosia Okoh, The Woman Who Designed The Ghana Flag"], NewsAfricaNow.</ref> She also played a leading role in the development of hockey in Ghana.<ref name=KofiAta>Kofi Ata, [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=280726 "Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better"], GhanaWeb, 28 July 2013.</ref>
'''Theodosia Salome Okoh''' (born 13 June 1922 – 19 April 2015)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.dpbs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427170344/http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.dpbs|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-04-27|title=Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92 - citifmonline|date=2015-04-27|access-date=2019-04-13}}</ref> was a [[Ghana]]ian teacher and artist known for designing [[Flag of Ghana|Ghana's national flag]] in 1957.<ref name="ghanaweb.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=190|title=Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh, The Designer of the Ghana Flag|website=www.ghanaweb.com|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref> She exhibited her artwork internationally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theodosia Salome Okoh, Biography |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Theodosia-Salome-Okoh-190 |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=www.ghanaweb.com}}</ref> She also played a leading role in the development of hockey in Ghana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/918556/theodosia-okoh.html|title=Theodosia Okoh|first=Akosua Tuntum |last=Nahana |date=28 February 2019|website=Modern Ghana|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref>
Her grandson is [[Ian Jones-Quartey]], creator of ''[[OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes]]'', and her granddaughter-in-law is [[Rebecca Sugar]], creator of ''[[Steven Universe]]''.


==Early years and education==
==Biography==
She was born as Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene in [[Effiduase]]<ref name=loom>[http://loomartgallery.com/vestibulum-id-ligula-porta-felis-euismod-semper/ "Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh"], The Loom Gallery.</ref> to the Very Reverend Emmanuel Victor Asihene, a former moderator of the [[Presbyterian Church of Ghana]], and Madam Dora Asihene, both from [[Anum]] in the [[Asuogyaman District]] of Ghana's [[Eastern Region, Ghana|Eastern Region]].<ref name=ghanagist>[http://ghanagist.com/the-designer-of-ghana-national-flag-theodosia-okoh-is-dead/ "The Designer Of Ghana National Flag, Theodosia Okoh Is Dead"], Ghanagist, 20 April 2015.</ref> She was the fourth of eight children.
She was born as Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene in [[Effiduase]]<ref name=loom>[http://loomartgallery.com/vestibulum-id-ligula-porta-felis-euismod-semper/ "Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh"], The Loom Gallery.</ref> to the Very Reverend Emmanuel Victor Asihene, a former moderator of the [[Presbyterian Church of Ghana]], and Madam Dora Asihene, both from [[Anum]] in the [[Asuogyaman District]] of Ghana's [[Eastern Region, Ghana|Eastern Region]].<ref name=ghanagist>[http://ghanagist.com/the-designer-of-ghana-national-flag-theodosia-okoh-is-dead/ "The Designer Of Ghana National Flag, Theodosia Okoh Is Dead"], Ghanagist, 20 April 2015.</ref> She was the fourth of eight children. She had the opportunity to travel around Ghana and abroad with her father.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theodosia Salome Okoh, Biography |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Theodosia-Salome-Okoh-190 |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=www.ghanaweb.com}}</ref>


She started school at Ashanti Efiduasi Primary School, continued to the Basel Mission Middle, Senior and Teacher Training Schools in [[Agogo, Ghana|Agogo]] and then [[Achimota School]], where she received three years training in Fine Art.<ref name=ghanagist />
She started school at Ashanti Efiduasi Primary School, continued to the Basel Mission Middle, Senior and Teacher Training Schools in [[Agogo, Ghana|Agogo]] and then [[Achimota School]], where she received three years training in Fine Art.<ref name=ghanagist />


==Career==
When on Ghana's Independence from Britain the need for a new flag was advertised, she submitted her design, which was adopted as the national [[flag of Ghana]] by the country's first president [[Kwame Nkrumah]] from 6 March 1957.<ref>[http://www.ghanaisgood.com/ghana-africa/ghana-flag "Ghana Flag"], GhanaIsGood.com.</ref> As she explained in an interview: "I decided on the three colors of red, gold and green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and blessed with rich vegetation. The color Gold was influenced by the mineral rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country’s independence. Then the five-pointed lone star which is the symbol of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism…."<ref>[http://africancelebs.com/theodosia-okoh-the-woman-who-designed-the-ghanaian-flag/ "Mrs Theodosia Okoh: The Woman Who Designed The Ghanaian Flag"], African Celebs.</ref>
When Ghana gained Independence from the [[United Kingdom|Britain]] there was the need for a new flag, which was advertised. She submitted her design, which was adopted as the national [[flag of Ghana]] by the country's first president [[Kwame Nkrumah]] from 6 March 1957.<ref>[http://www.ghanaisgood.com/ghana-africa/ghana-flag "Ghana Flag"], GhanaIsGood.com.</ref> As she explained in an interview: "I decided on the three colors of red, gold and green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and blessed with rich vegetation. The color Gold was influenced by the mineral rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country’s independence. The five-pointed lone star is symbolic of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism…."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Celebs |first=African |date=2018-03-06 |title=Mrs Theodosia Okoh: The Woman Who Designed The Ghanaian Flag – African Celebs |url=https://www.africancelebs.com/theodosia-okoh-the-woman-who-designed-the-ghanaian-flag/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/republic/flag.php "Flag of Ghana: The Meaning of the Flag"], GhanaWeb.</ref>
[[File:Flag_of_Ghana.svg|thumb|Flag of Ghana]]
⚫
Theodosia Okoh was the first female chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association and later President of the Ghana Hockey Federation for more than 20 years,<ref name="Theodosia Okoh" /> and it was during her tenure that Ghana first qualified for both the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.<ref name="KofiAta">{{cite web|first=Kofi |last=Ata|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=280726 |title=Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better|website= GhanaWeb|date= 28 July 2013}}</ref> She was named "the Joan of Arc of Ghana hockey" by [[Ohene Djan]] "because she rose to the occasion to save Ghana hockey when men were faltering and vacillating about development of the game. This is also the reason why the [[Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium|National Hockey Stadium]] was named after her in 2004".<ref>Professor Emeritus Ivan Addae Mensah, Former Vice-Chancellor of University Of Ghana, Legon, [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=280726 "Don't Deny Mrs Okoh of her Honour"], in ''The New Crusading Guide'', 26 July 2013; quoted in Kofi Ata, "Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better", GhanaWeb, 28 July 2013.</ref> She was a long-time patron of the [[Sport Writers Association of Ghana]].<ref name=loom /><ref name=Graphic />


== Personal life ==
She was married to Enoch Kwabena Okoh, Head of Civil Service in the [[Kwame Nkrumah]] regime in the 1960s,<ref name=ghanagist /> and had three children: E. Kwasi Okoh, Stanley Kwame Okoh and Theodosia Amma Jones-Quartey.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/pop-up.php?ID=190|publisher=ghanaweb.com|accessdate=24 August 2013}}</ref>
She was married to Enoch Kwabena Okoh,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://valallotey.blogspot.com/2015/10/|title=The Symbol|first=
Valentina|last=Allotey|website=valallotey.blogspot.com|language=en-GB|date=24 October 2015|access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref> Head of Civil Service in the [[Kwame Nkrumah]] regime in the 1960s,<ref name=ghanagist /> and had three children: E. Kwasi Okoh, Stanley Kwame Okoh and Theodosia Amma Jones-Quartey.<ref>[http://flexgh.com/theodosia-salome-okoh-ghanas-illustrious-daughter/ "Theodosia Salome Okoh, Ghana’s Illustrious Daughter"], ''Flex Newspaper'', 29 January 2017.</ref>


== Death ==
⚫
Theodosia Okoh was the first female chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association and later President of the Ghana Hockey Federation for more than 20 years,<ref name="Theodosia Okoh" /> and it was during her that Ghana first qualified for both the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.<ref name=KofiAta /> She was named "the Joan of Arc of Ghana hockey" by [[Ohene Djan]] "because she rose to the occasion to save Ghana hockey when men were faltering and vacillating about development of the game. This is also the reason why the National Hockey Stadium was named after her in 2004".<ref>[http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=280726 Professor Emeritus Ivan Addae Mensah, Former Vice-Chancellor of University Of Ghana, Legon, "Don’t Deny Mrs Okoh of her Honour"], in ''The New Crusading Guide'', 26 July 2013; quoted in Kofi Ata, "Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better", GhanaWeb, 28 July 2013.</ref> She was a long-time patron of the Ghana Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana.<ref name=loom /><ref name=Graphic />
⚫
She died on 19 April 2015 at the [[Narh-Bita Hospital]] in [[Tema]] after a short illness, aged 92.<ref>[http://www.dailyguideghana.com/ghana-flag-designer-theodosia-okoh-dies/ "Ghana flag designer Theodosia Okoh dies"], ''Daily Guide'', 20 April 2015.</ref> President [[John Dramani Mahama]] directed that all flags should fly at half-mast for three days, starting from Tuesday, 21 April, in her honour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-in-honour-of-mrs-theodosia-okoh/#:~:text=President%20John%20Mahama%20has%20directed,died%20Sunday%20at%20age%2092.|title=Flags to fly at half mast in honour of Mrs Theodosia Okoh|website= Joy Online|date= 21 April 2015|access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref><ref>[https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/04/22/flags-flying-at-half-mast-for-theodosia-okoh-designer-of-ghana-national-flag/ "Flags flying at half mast for Theodosia Okoh, designer of Ghana national flag"], ''Ghana Business News'', 22 April 2015.</ref><ref name=Allottey>{{cite web|first=Godwin Akweiteh |last=Allotey|url=http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/21/ghana-flags-at-half-mast-in-honour-of-theodosia-okoh/#sthash.wVlHmT6h.rXq82MCx.dpbs |title=Ghana flags at half-mast in honour of Theodosia Okoh|website= citifmonline.com|date= 21 April 2015}}</ref> A statement signed by Minister of Communications [[Edward Omane Boamah]] said that the directive was "in honour of this extraordinary Ghanaian", further stating: "Government acknowledges Mrs. Okoh for her invaluable contributions to our nation building efforts. The instant recognition that our nation receives the world over through the unique flag that she designed for us has cemented her place in history as a colossus of Ghanaian history.... Her talent, zeal and sense of duty to Ghana will continue to offer inspiration for Ghanaians and serve as a reference point in service to the nation."<ref name=Allottey />

⚫
She died on 19 April 2015 at the Narh Bita Hospital in [[Tema]] after a short illness, aged 92.<ref>[http://www.dailyguideghana.com/ghana-flag-designer-theodosia-okoh-dies/ "Ghana flag designer Theodosia Okoh dies"], ''Daily Guide'', 20 April 2015.</ref> President [[John Dramani Mahama]] directed that all flags should fly at half mast for three days, starting from Tuesday, 21 April, in her honour.<ref>[http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php/news/1130-flags-to-fly-at-half-mast-in-honour-of-mrs-theodosia-okoh "Flags to fly at half mast in honour of Mrs Theodosia Okoh"], Government of Ghana.</ref><ref>[https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2015/04/22/flags-flying-at-half-mast-for-theodosia-okoh-designer-of-ghana-national-flag/ "Flags flying at half mast for Theodosia Okoh, designer of Ghana national flag"], Ghana Business News, 22 April 2015.</ref><ref name=Allottey>Godwin Akweiteh Allotey, [http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/21/ghana-flags-at-half-mast-in-honour-of-theodosia-okoh/#sthash.wVlHmT6h.rXq82MCx.dpbs "Ghana flags at half-mast in honour of Theodosia Okoh"], citifmonline.com, 21 April 2015.</ref> A statement signed by Minister of Communications [[Edward Omane Boamah]] said that the directive was “in honour of this extraordinary Ghanaian", further stating: "Government acknowledges Mrs Okoh for her invaluable contributions to our nation building efforts. The instant recognition that our nation receives the world over through the unique flag that she designed for us has cemented her place in history as a colossus of Ghanaian history.... Her talent, zeal and sense of duty to Ghana will continue to offer inspiration for Ghanaians and serve as a reference point in service to the nation."<ref name=Allottey />


==Awards==
==Awards==
Theodosia Okoh was awarded the Grand Medal (GM) by the nation, and a number of awards from other institutions in the country. She received a citation from the [[Ghana Broadcasting Corporation]] and the National Sports Awards in 2004, as well as award from the Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana and an award from the [[TV Africa]] series ''Obaa Mbo''.<ref name=ghanagist />
Theodosia Okoh was awarded the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Ghana#Grand medal|Grand Medal]] (GM) by the nation, and a number of awards from other institutions in the country. She received a citation from the [[Ghana Broadcasting Corporation]] and the National Sports Awards in 2004, as well as award from the Sport Writers Association of Ghana and an award from the [[TV Africa]] series ''Obaa Mbo''.<ref name=ghanagist />


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
* The Accra hockey pitch is named after her in recognition of her contribution to the game,<ref>[http://www.sportsicononline.com/?p=1131 "Madama Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92"], Sportsicononline.</ref><ref name=citifm>[http://citifmonline.com/2015/04/19/theodosia-okoh-dies-at-age-92/#sthash.J7Zj6x1D.FmiW5Cxa.dpbs "Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92"], citifmonline, 19 April 2015.</ref> and in 2013 a resolution was overturned to rename the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium.<ref name=Graphic>Samuel K. Obour, [http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/7948-hockey-stadium-reverts-to-theodosia-okoh-on-president-s-orders.html "Hockey Stadium reverts to Theodosia Okoh on President’s orders"], ''Graphic Online'', 25 July 2013.</ref><ref>Kofi Thompson, [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/artikel.php?ID=280635 "Bravo to those who helped retain the name Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium"], GhanaWeb, 26 July 2013.</ref>
* The Accra hockey pitch is named after her in recognition of her contribution to the game,<ref name=Graphic>{{cite web|first=Samuel K. |last=Obour|url=http://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/7948-hockey-stadium-reverts-to-theodosia-okoh-on-president-s-orders.html |title=Hockey Stadium reverts to Theodosia Okoh on President’s orders|website=Graphic Online|date=25 July 2013|access-date=3 February 2022}}</ref> and in 2013 a resolution was overturned to rename the [[Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium]].<ref name=Graphic /><ref>{{cite web|first=Kofi |last=Thompson|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/artikel.php?ID=280635 |title=Bravo to those who helped retain the name [Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium|website=GhanaWeb|date= 26 July 2013}}</ref>

* The Asuogyaman District Assembly in the Eastern Region has erected a bust in her honour at Anum, her hometown.<ref name=ghanagist />
* The Asuogyaman District Assembly in the Eastern Region has erected a bust in her honour at Anum, her hometown.<ref name=ghanagist />
⚫
* Okoh's grandson, animator/director [[Ian Jones-Quartey]], based the character Nanefua Pizza in the [[Cartoon Network]] animated show ''[[Steven Universe]]'' on her.<ref>[http://ianjq.tumblr.com/post/117553383444/sociologist-gh-designer-of-ghanas-national Theodosia Okoh], IAN JQ dot com, Tumblr, 27 April 2015.</ref>


* On 13 June 2016, Google celebrated Theodosia Okoh’s 94th birthday with a doodle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=OV Digital |date=2023-06-12 |title=13 June: Remembering Theodosia Okoh on Birthday |url=https://observervoice.com/13-june-remembering-theodosia-okoh-on-birthday-25653/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Observer Voice |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Theodosia Okoh’s 94th birthday |url=https://doodles.google/doodle/theodosia-okohs-94th-birthday/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=www.google.com |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
* Okoh's grandson, animator/director [[Ian Jones-Quartey]], based the character Nanefua Pizza in the [[Cartoon Network]] animated show ''[[Steven Universe]]'' on her.<ref>[http://ianjq.tumblr.com/post/117553383444/sociologist-gh-designer-of-ghanas-national http://ianjq.tumblr.com/post/117553383444/sociologist-gh-designer-of-ghanas-national], IAN JQ dot com, 27 April 2015</ref>

== Late-life experience ==
Before her death, she lamented over the change of the National Hockey Pitch from her name (to "John Evans Atta Mills National Hockey Stadium") while she was still alive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsghana.com.gh/theodosia-okoh-condemns-naming-of-hockey-stadium-after-mills/|title=Theodosia Okoh Condemns Naming Of Hockey Stadium After Mills |last=|first=|website=News Ghana|date=25 July 2013|access-date=23 March 2019}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 70: Line 75:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=190 "Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh Profile"], GhanaWeb.
* [http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=190 Theodosia Salome Okoh] on GhanaWeb.
* [http://news.peacefmonline.com/pages/news/201504/239230.php "Theodosia Okoh Is Dead"], Peace FM, 20 April 2015. Includes flashback audio interview by Kwami Sefa Kayi.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150422211250/http://news.peacefmonline.com/pages/news/201504/239230.php "Theodosia Okoh Is Dead"], Peace FM, 20 April 2015. Includes flashback audio interview by Kwami Sefa Kayi (archived).
* [http://africancelebs.com/theodosia-okoh-the-woman-who-designed-the-ghanaian-flag/ "Mrs Theodosia Okoh: The Woman Who Designed The Ghanaian Flag"], African Celebs (including video interviews).
* [http://africancelebs.com/theodosia-okoh-the-woman-who-designed-the-ghanaian-flag/ "Mrs Theodosia Okoh: The Woman Who Designed The Ghanaian Flag"], African Celebs (including video interviews).


{{Authority control}}
{{Persondata

| NAME = Okoh, Theodosia
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Ghanaian flag designer
| DATE OF BIRTH = 13 June 1922
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Anum
| DATE OF DEATH =19 April 2015
| PLACE OF DEATH =Ghana
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Okoh, Theodosia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Okoh, Theodosia}}

[[Category:Flag designers]]
⚫
[[Category:Ghanaian people]]
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:1922 births]]
[[Category:2015 deaths]]
[[Category:2015 deaths]]
[[Category:Field hockey people]]
[[Category:20th-century women artists]]

[[Category:Vexillologists]]
[[Category:Ghanaian artists]]
[[Category:Flag designers]]
⚫
[[Category:Ghanaian women artists]]
[[Category:People from Ashanti Region]]

Latest revision as of 15:02, 11 October 2024

Theodosia Salome Okoh
Born
Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene

(1922-06-13)13 June 1922[1]
Effiduase, Gold Coast
Died19 April 2015(2015-04-19) (aged 92)[2]
Tema, Ghana
CitizenshipGhanaian
Known forDesign of the flag of Ghana
Notable workGhana national flag
TitleChairman of the Ghana Hockey Association and President of the Ghana Hockey Federation[3]
SpouseEnoch Kwabena Okoh
Children3
Parent(s)Rev. and Mrs Asihene
RelativesIan Jones-Quartey (grandson)
Rebecca Sugar (granddaughter-in-law)

Theodosia Salome Okoh (born 13 June 1922 – 19 April 2015)[4] was a Ghanaian teacher and artist known for designing Ghana's national flag in 1957.[5] She exhibited her artwork internationally.[6] She also played a leading role in the development of hockey in Ghana.[7] Her grandson is Ian Jones-Quartey, creator of OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, and her granddaughter-in-law is Rebecca Sugar, creator of Steven Universe.

Early years and education

[edit]

She was born as Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene in Effiduase[8] to the Very Reverend Emmanuel Victor Asihene, a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and Madam Dora Asihene, both from Anum in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana's Eastern Region.[9] She was the fourth of eight children. She had the opportunity to travel around Ghana and abroad with her father.[10]

She started school at Ashanti Efiduasi Primary School, continued to the Basel Mission Middle, Senior and Teacher Training Schools in Agogo and then Achimota School, where she received three years training in Fine Art.[9]

Career

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When Ghana gained Independence from the Britain there was the need for a new flag, which was advertised. She submitted her design, which was adopted as the national flag of Ghana by the country's first president Kwame Nkrumah from 6 March 1957.[11] As she explained in an interview: "I decided on the three colors of red, gold and green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and blessed with rich vegetation. The color Gold was influenced by the mineral rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country’s independence. The five-pointed lone star is symbolic of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism…."[12][13]

Flag of Ghana

Theodosia Okoh was the first female chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association and later President of the Ghana Hockey Federation for more than 20 years,[3] and it was during her tenure that Ghana first qualified for both the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.[14] She was named "the Joan of Arc of Ghana hockey" by Ohene Djan "because she rose to the occasion to save Ghana hockey when men were faltering and vacillating about development of the game. This is also the reason why the National Hockey Stadium was named after her in 2004".[15] She was a long-time patron of the Sport Writers Association of Ghana.[8][16]

Personal life

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She was married to Enoch Kwabena Okoh,[17] Head of Civil Service in the Kwame Nkrumah regime in the 1960s,[9] and had three children: E. Kwasi Okoh, Stanley Kwame Okoh and Theodosia Amma Jones-Quartey.[18]

Death

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She died on 19 April 2015 at the Narh-Bita Hospital in Tema after a short illness, aged 92.[19] President John Dramani Mahama directed that all flags should fly at half-mast for three days, starting from Tuesday, 21 April, in her honour.[20][21][22] A statement signed by Minister of Communications Edward Omane Boamah said that the directive was "in honour of this extraordinary Ghanaian", further stating: "Government acknowledges Mrs. Okoh for her invaluable contributions to our nation building efforts. The instant recognition that our nation receives the world over through the unique flag that she designed for us has cemented her place in history as a colossus of Ghanaian history.... Her talent, zeal and sense of duty to Ghana will continue to offer inspiration for Ghanaians and serve as a reference point in service to the nation."[22]

Awards

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Theodosia Okoh was awarded the Grand Medal (GM) by the nation, and a number of awards from other institutions in the country. She received a citation from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and the National Sports Awards in 2004, as well as award from the Sport Writers Association of Ghana and an award from the TV Africa series Obaa Mbo.[9]

Legacy

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  • On 13 June 2016, Google celebrated Theodosia Okoh’s 94th birthday with a doodle.[25][26]

Late-life experience

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Before her death, she lamented over the change of the National Hockey Pitch from her name (to "John Evans Atta Mills National Hockey Stadium") while she was still alive.[27]

References

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  1. ^ Charles, Andoh (12 June 2014). "Theodosia Okoh turns 92 and still flies high the flag of Ghana". graphic.com.gh. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  2. ^ "Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92". Citifmonline. 20 April 2015. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Madam Theodosia Okoh - Joan Of Arc Of Ghana Hockey". Justice Ghana. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Theodosia Okoh dies at age 92 - citifmonline". 27 April 2015. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh, The Designer of the Ghana Flag". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  6. ^ "Theodosia Salome Okoh, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  7. ^ Nahana, Akosua Tuntum (28 February 2019). "Theodosia Okoh". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  8. ^ a b "Mrs Theodosia Salome Okoh", The Loom Gallery.
  9. ^ a b c d e "The Designer Of Ghana National Flag, Theodosia Okoh Is Dead", Ghanagist, 20 April 2015.
  10. ^ "Theodosia Salome Okoh, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Ghana Flag", GhanaIsGood.com.
  12. ^ Celebs, African (6 March 2018). "Mrs Theodosia Okoh: The Woman Who Designed The Ghanaian Flag – African Celebs". Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Flag of Ghana: The Meaning of the Flag", GhanaWeb.
  14. ^ Ata, Kofi (28 July 2013). "Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better". GhanaWeb.
  15. ^ Professor Emeritus Ivan Addae Mensah, Former Vice-Chancellor of University Of Ghana, Legon, "Don't Deny Mrs Okoh of her Honour", in The New Crusading Guide, 26 July 2013; quoted in Kofi Ata, "Oko Vanderpujie, Theodosia Okoh Deserves Better", GhanaWeb, 28 July 2013.
  16. ^ a b c Obour, Samuel K. (25 July 2013). "Hockey Stadium reverts to Theodosia Okoh on President's orders". Graphic Online. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  17. ^ Allotey, Valentina (24 October 2015). "The Symbol". valallotey.blogspot.com. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  18. ^ "Theodosia Salome Okoh, Ghana’s Illustrious Daughter", Flex Newspaper, 29 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Ghana flag designer Theodosia Okoh dies", Daily Guide, 20 April 2015.
  20. ^ "Flags to fly at half mast in honour of Mrs Theodosia Okoh". Joy Online. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  21. ^ "Flags flying at half mast for Theodosia Okoh, designer of Ghana national flag", Ghana Business News, 22 April 2015.
  22. ^ a b Allotey, Godwin Akweiteh (21 April 2015). "Ghana flags at half-mast in honour of Theodosia Okoh". citifmonline.com.
  23. ^ Thompson, Kofi (26 July 2013). "Bravo to those who helped retain the name [Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium". GhanaWeb.
  24. ^ Theodosia Okoh, IAN JQ dot com, Tumblr, 27 April 2015.
  25. ^ Desk, OV Digital (12 June 2023). "13 June: Remembering Theodosia Okoh on Birthday". Observer Voice. Retrieved 12 June 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  26. ^ "Theodosia Okoh's 94th birthday". www.google.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  27. ^ "Theodosia Okoh Condemns Naming Of Hockey Stadium After Mills". News Ghana. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
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