KOKU ANYIDOHO
Koku Anyidoho is a popular Ghanaian politician, writer and communications expert whose professional life contains decades of selfless service in politics, governance and to the general public.
As the founder and CEO of the Atta Mills Institute, Koku has devoted his life to keeping the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ legacy alive while promoting good governance and national development.
As a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho has served in different capacities, such as Presidential Aid, Head of Communications under the late President Atta Mills, and deputy general secretary of the NDC in successive terms from 2014 to 2018 as Deputy General Secretary of the NDC. His story is one of determination, dedication, and relentless commitment to Ghana’s progress.
Early Life Of Koku Anyidoho
Koku Anyidoho was born on January 13, 1971, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana. He is the third of seven children in a family known for its service and leadership. Koku’s father, Major General (Rtd) Henry Kwami Anyidoho, is a well-known military officer, while his late mother, Mercy Anyidoho, was a nursing officer.
Koku grew up in Burma Camp, Accra and was brought up with a level of discipline and consciousness from an early age. Growing up in a military setting inspired values like hard work, taking pride in one’s nation, public service, and assisting others.Â
His Education
Koku’s educational journey shows his inquisitiveness and desire for self-improvement. He attended Kotoka Primary School in Burma Camp, Mawuli School in Ho, and Achimota School in Accra.
After completing his GCE Ordinary Level in 1987, Koku attended Labone Secondary School and graduated. Koku began his undergraduate studies in 1990 at the University of Ghana, Legon and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Sociology and English. He continued his studies and completed a Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies in 1995, at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.
Koku’s academic achievements included completing a Master of Arts in Ministry from the Trinity Theological Seminary, Accra and a diploma in National Security and International Diplomacy from the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) in Israel. Koku’s variety of quality educational achievements made him stand out with exceptional communication skills, leadership abilities, and excellent strategic planning skills.Â
Koku’s Career
Koku’s career started off with teaching at Chiraa Secondary School in the Brong Ahafo Region while on National Service in 1989. After graduating with his first degree, he served at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), where he realized he had a thing for Media, Broadcasting and Communications.
In 1997, Koku joined the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as a Social Services Officer, working with Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees in Ghana. He successfully managed the arrival of the first group of Sierra Leonean refugees, even when the task was complicated by the difficulties in providing humanitarian care and support during emergencies.
Koku later transitioned to the private sector. This was prior to being recruited and starting work with the Metropolitan and Allied Bank (MAB), the first private commercial bank in Ghana. His leadership roles were many, from Executive Assistant to the Executive Chairman, to Head of Treasury and Investments.
His Political Journey
Koku’s entry into politics started when he was invited by the late President John Evans Atta Mills to join his team for his campaign for the presidency. During the campaign in 2006, Koku served as Head of Communications and Key Campaign Strategist for the Atta Mills Campaign Team. He laid the groundwork for the success of the campaign, while Atta Mills stood on a platform of integrity.
Atta Mills asked Koku to serve as Head of Communications when he became President in 2009, a role he held until 2013. From Atta Mills and later, President John Dramani Mahama in the policy and governance decision-making of the nation.
From 2014 to 2018, Koku served as Deputy General Secretary of the NDC. Koku was directly responsible for the party’s strategic and operational reconstruction. His political journey to date is marked by his tactical thinking and his loyalty to the principles of the NDC.
His Personal Life
Koku’s life has been filled with both joy and sadness. He was married to Jennifer Boahemaa Yeboah, and they had two children together, Kofi and Sitsofe.
Sadly, their eight-year-old daughter, Sitsofe, died in a car accident on November 7, 2020 and that left a scar on Koku and his family.
Today, Koku is blessed with three children, two boys and one girl, who are his source of happiness and strength.
His LegacyÂ
Koku Anyidoho founded the Atta Mills Institute and continues to celebrate the life of the late President Atta Mills by focusing on Leadership, good governance and national togetherness. Koku strongly believes that education, mentorship, and civic obligation are a part of the structure that will lead to the building of progressive-thinking societies.
Koku’s rise from a boy in Burma Camp to an icon of Ghanaian politics today is a reflection of resilience, brainpower, and love for public service. Koku uses his work as an author, public speaker and team leader as an extension of his service and voice for many Ghanaians.
Key Notes About Koku AnyidohoÂ
Full Name: Samuel Koku Sitsofe Anyidoho
Date of Birth: January 13, 1971
Hometown: Anyigbe Tanyigbe, Volta Region
Tribe: Ewe
Religion: Christian
Education: University of Ghana, University of East Anglia, Trinity Theological Seminary, GIMI
Twitter (X): @KokuAnyidoho [https://twitter.com/KokuAnyidoho]
Koku Anyidoho’s life story is one of community service, leadership and commitment to Ghana. His legacy continues to inspire young leaders to embrace service, integrity, unity and of course, progress.
