Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, who served as the paramount chief of Akyem Abuakwa from 1912 to 1943, is remembered for his influence in the Gold Coast’s colonial politics and his reported gift of an aircraft to the British government during World War II.

According to a social media post by The Akyem State on October 27, 2026, the Okyenhene purchased an aircraft for £4,000 in 1939 and presented it to Britain to support its war effort.

The post describes him as the first Ghanaian traditional ruler to purchase an aircraft and donate it to another party.

See 1941 footage of Gold Coast soldiers being trained to fight in the British Army

Nana Sir Ofori Atta I also played a prominent role in the political affairs of the Gold Coast under British colonial rule.

In 1934, he was part of a delegation that travelled to Britain to protest against the Criminal Code Amendment Bill and other laws introduced by the colonial administration.

He also supported the Gold Coast Youth Movement, whose secretary was his half-brother, Dr J B Danquah. The movement was among the groups involved in the push for political change in the Gold Coast.

Nana Ofori Atta I further supported the 1937–1938 cocoa boycott, which opposed attempts by 14 major firms to control cocoa prices. He also backed the campaign for a more democratic constitution, which culminated in the Burns Constitution of 1946.

He also contributed to education in Akyem Abuakwa through the establishment of Abuakwa State College in Kyebi, the traditional capital of the state, about 80 kilometres northwest of Accra.

The institution was established as the first secondary school in Akyem Abuakwa, with support from the people of the traditional area. It became government-assisted after his death.

Although much of his attention was devoted to colonial politics, his leadership also helped establish an educational institution that became part of Akyem Abuakwa’s legacy.

He died at Kyebi in August 1943.

See the post below:



JKB/VPO

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