Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey
Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey (c. 1923 – 22 June 1961) also known as Dedei Ashikishan, was a Ghanaian business woman, political activist and a feminist. She was popularly known for her flour business in Accra. Her image appears on Ghana's 50 Pesewas coin.[1][2]
Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rebecca Naa Dedei c. 1923 |
| Died | 22 June 1961 (aged 38) |
| Other names | Dedei Ashikishan |
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Early life
Rebeca Naa Dedei was born around 1923 at Osu and grew up in James Town, Accra. Her parents were from Ga Asere and Osu.[1][2]
Career
After her primary education, Naa Dedei went into the flour business. She became so wealthy and influential through her flour business which earned her the name Ashikishan, a Ga word meaning flour. She was known to be the chief financier of the then CPP party and led CPP women activities at her house in Kokomlemle - Accra. As a political activist of the CPP, she campaigned and funded Nkrumah and the CPP party and played a significant role during Ghana's struggle to attain independence. She financed Nkrumah to win the Ashiedu Keteke legislative council seat which made him to be the first Prime Minister of Ghana.[1][2][3]
Death
Her closeness to Nkrumah made her an enemy of rival political party which allegedly led to her early death. She died at a CPP function in Ho on 22 June 1961 at the age of 38. It was alleged that she was poisoned at the function after taking a hot tea when she complained of stomach pains.[2][3]
Honors
The double-decker buses which were brought to Accra by Harry Sawyer were named after her 'Auntie Dedei', she also had her image on a national stamp and on Ghana's 50 pesewa coin, all in honour of her.[3]
References
- Amofa, Frank (April 2020). "Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey, a woman whose image is on 50 Pesewas Coin – Her Profile And Death". Ghana News Punch. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- "Rebecca Naa Dedei Ayitey: The lady on Ghana's 50pesewas and an Independence shero". Bra Perucci Africa. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- Tetteh, Nii Okai. "Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey: The Illustrious Ga Woman Celebrated On The 50 Pesewas Coin - Kuulpeeps - Ghana Campus News and Lifestyle Site by Students". Retrieved 8 April 2020.