Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1923 |
| Died | 22 June 1961 |
| Other names | Dedei Ashikishan |
| Occupations |
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Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey (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. She is also the woman on Ghana's 50 Pesewas coin.[1][2]
Early life
Rebeca Naa Dedei was born in 1923, at Osu and grew up in James Town, Accra. Her mother and father are from Ga Asere and Osu respectively.[1][2]
Career
After her primary education, Naa Dei 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 tragically at a CPP function in Ho on 22 June 1961 at the age of 38. It was alleged that the political activists and feminist was poisoned at the function after taking a hot tea when she complained of stomach ache.[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
- 1 2 3 "Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey, a woman whose image is on 50 Pesewas Coin – Her Profile And Death". Ghana News Punch. 2020-04-07. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
- 1 2 3 4 "Rebecca Naa Dedei Ayitey: The lady on Ghana's 50pesewas and an Independence shero". Bra Perucci Africa. 2020-04-07. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
- 1 2 3 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 2020-04-08.
External links