The amazing story of Theodosia Okoh, the hockey player and designer of Ghana’s flag

The contribution of the late Theodosia Salome Okoh to Ghana’s political, sporting and educational history is one that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Okoh was a Ghanaian stateswoman, sportswoman, teacher and artist who designed the national flag in 1957.

She played a leading role in the promotion of hockey in Ghana and for over 20 years, served as the first female chair and president of the Ghana Hockey Association and the Ghana Hockey Federation respectively.

Per a report by ghanaianmuseum.com, it was during her tenure that Ghana first qualified for both the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Born Theodosia Salome Abena Kumea Asihene, she was the fourth of eight children of 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.

According to her, she decided on “the three colours of red, gold and green because of the geography of Ghana. Ghana lies in the tropics and blessed with rich vegetation. The colour 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….”