Okoh Dei-Baning

Okoh Dei-Baning was born on February 13, 1945, in Akim Oda, a town in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He was the only son of his mother, Adwoa Kyekye, and one of eight children of his father, Edward Okoh Dei-Baning of Akim Afosu.

His education began at the age of six at Oda Government School in Akim Oda. He later attended Oda Secondary School, where he excelled in all subjects, with a particular passion for geography. After completing his studies at Oda Secondary School, he continued his education at Akropong Akwapim Secondary School for two years, studying geography, government, mathematics, and English at the advanced level. This academic foundation enabled him to qualify for the entrance examination to the University of Ghana, which he successfully passed. He then enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1970, with a focus on sociology and philosophy.

Following his graduation, he was posted to Tamale, where he served as a teacher at a training college. Soon after, he joined the Ghana Police Service and, alongside 29 other graduates, became one of the first individuals enlisted into the Ghana Police by Prime Minister Dr. K. A. Busia. Beginning his career as an Assistant Superintendent, he oversaw undercover operations and surveillance. He and his colleagues were assigned to the Special Branch of the Ghana Police, where he conducted undercover investigations.

After the overthrow of Prime Minister Dr. K. A. Busia’s government, Okoh Dei-Baning resigned from the police service to pursue further studies at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. He enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) program at the Sobey School of Business, where he gained a strong foundation in business fundamentals, with opportunities to specialize in accounting, finance, and marketing. He successfully completed his studies and graduated.

Upon returning to Ghana, he was employed at the Ghana Port Authority as one of the security chiefs, overseeing all security operations at Tema Harbor.

On June 18, 1972, Okoh Dei-Baning married Nana Adjoa Karikari in Kwabeng, Ghana. In 1980, they were invited to the United States by her elder brother—and his best friend—Prince Charles Karikari. Together, they built a life and raised their family.

A devoted father, he leaves behind his four children: Raymond Yaw Dei-Baning, Linda Dei-Baning, Darteh Dei-Baning, and Donna Dei-Baning. He passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 80.

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A visitation for Okoh will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM at KROWICKI MCCRACKEN FUNERAL HOME, 2124 East Saint Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036, followed by a committal from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM.