President mourns with Dr Ocloo's family

The President, Mr J.A. Kufuor, has expressed deep sorrow about the death of Dr (Mrs) Esther Ocloo, a distinguished Ghanaian industrialist and gender advocate, at the 37 Military Hospital.

In a message of condolence from the Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs on behalf of government to the bereaved family, the President noted that Dr Ocloo was in all respects a trailblazer, role model and personified the Ghanaian dream. It said from humble beginnings, she became the first industrialist to establish a food processing and preservation factory, Nkulenu Industries, in Ghana in 1942.

It sad the fact that the industry still operates is a testimony to her hard work and perseverance. “Her commitment and contribution to the private sector, especially the development of the indigenous entrepreneurial base of the country, was evidenced by her pioneering role in the establishment of Ghana Manufactures, later the Association of Ghana Industries of which she became the first President in 1957 and served as President again in 1973,” it stressed.

The statement said the late Dr Ocloo will forever be remembered for her selfless and genuine advocacy role and her devotion to the cause of the advancement and empowerment, especially of women, both nationally and internationally. It said it was in recognition of her immense contributions to the socio-economic development of Ghana that she was awarded a Grand Medal for Meritorious Services by the government in 1969.

“The late Dr Ocloo indeed led a full and fulfilling life and has left golden footprints in the sands of time,” it said, adding that “Ghana and humanity are the poorer for her demise.” – Daily Graphic.