Numerous Ghanaians have elevated the country's image on the international stage through their remarkable achievements.

Among these distinguished personalities is Alex Quaison-Sackey, a diplomat who served as the first African President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He served as Ghana's second ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 1959 to 1965 and President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1964 to 1965.

Here is a brief profile of Alex Quaison-Sackey

Quaison-Sackey was born in Winneba in the Central Region. He attended the Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast before proceeding to Achimota College.

His pursuit of higher education took him to the United Kingdom, where he read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Exeter College, Oxford University, graduating with honours.

He later pursued further studies in international relations and law at the London School of Economics after being appointed one of Ghana's first Foreign Service officers.

Quaison-Sackey's rise in diplomatic service was rapid. He became Ghana’s second Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations from June 30, 1959, to 1965.

His most remarkable diplomatic achievement came in 1964 when he was elected President of the 19th Session of the UN General Assembly, making him the first African to occupy the prestigious position.

During this same period, he also served concurrently as Ghana’s Ambassador to Cuba (1961–1965) and to Mexico (1962–1964).

According to a report by Green Views, a lasting legacy was left by Quaison-Sackey during his tenure at the United Nations General Assembly.

"He was a strong advocate for human rights, and he believed that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect", it noted.

In 1965, under President Kwame Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party (CPP) government, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived. While on an official trip to North Vietnam with Nkrumah, the government was overthrown in a military coup on February 24, 1966.

The new regime, led by Lt General Joseph Arthur Ankrah, replaced key ministers, ending his first tenure in government.

More than a decade later, in 1978, Quaison-Sackey returned to diplomatic service when the Supreme Military Council, led by Lt General Fred Akuffo, appointed him as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States.

Throughout his career, Quaison-Sackey was known for his intellect, poise, and unwavering commitment to African dignity and international cooperation.

His election to the helm of the UN General Assembly was not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for the African continent, which was still emerging from the shadows of colonialism at the time.

Alex Quaison-Sackey passed on December 21, 1992, at the age of 68.

JKB/EB

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