October 29 offers an opportunity to revisit the lives of some notable Ghanaians whose contributions to law, economic planning, journalism and public service have shaped the country’s institutional and political landscape.

Among them are renowned jurist Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe, economist and traditional ruler Oyeeman Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, journalist and diplomat Gina Blay, and former Member of Parliament David Nana Larbie.

Their stories reflect different aspects of Ghana’s development, from constitutional law and legislative drafting to economic policy, traditional leadership and political representation.

Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe: The legal mind who helped shape Ghana’s constitutional history

Born October 29, 1923

One of Ghana’s distinguished legal minds, Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe was born on October 29, 1923, at Kinkam in Ussher Town, Accra, when the country was still known as the Gold Coast.

His full name was Vincent Cyril Richard Arthur Charles Crabbe. He became a respected jurist, constitutional draftsman and legal educator whose work extended beyond Ghana to other African countries and the Caribbean.

Crabbe attended Accra Academy before travelling to London to pursue further studies. He initially studied economics at the City of London College before turning to law at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. He was called to the Bar in February 1955.

His career would eventually place him at the centre of some of Ghana’s most consequential constitutional and legal processes.

Crabbe served as a judge of the Supreme Court and played an important role in constitutional development. He chaired the Constituent Assembly that produced Ghana’s 1979 Constitution and contributed to the drafting and review of constitutional and legislative frameworks in other jurisdictions.

His work as a legislative draftsman earned him considerable recognition, with his expertise sought by countries working to strengthen their legal systems. He also served as a law professor, sharing his knowledge with generations of legal professionals.

Crabbe died on September 7, 2018, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy associated with constitutional governance, legal education and public service.

His birthday remains an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of a man whose professional life was closely linked to the development of Ghana’s legal institutions.

E.N. Omaboe: The economist who combined public service with traditional leadership

Born October 29, 1930

Another notable Ghanaian born on October 29 was Emmanuel Nii Noi Omaboe, popularly known as E.N. Omaboe and later as Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II.

Born in Amanokrom in 1930, he built a career in economics, statistics, business and public administration before becoming a traditional ruler. everettjenkinspanafricanchronology4.blogspot.com+1

Omaboe’s early career was closely connected to Ghana’s economic and statistical institutions. He became Government Statistician in 1960, making him the first Ghanaian to occupy the position. He was also involved in the country’s early development planning, including work associated with the State Planning Commission and the Seven-Year Development Plan.

After the 1966 coup, he served in economic policy roles under the National Liberation Council, including as Commissioner for Economic Affairs.

He later established a private consultancy and held leadership positions in business and financial institutions. His career also extended into international service, including work with the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund’s Investment Committee.

Beyond economics and business, Omaboe became the chief of Amanokrom and the Gyasehene of the Akuapem Traditional Area in 1975. He was also associated with Accra Hearts of Oak, serving in leadership and patronage roles during different periods.

He died on November 26, 2005, aged 75. His life offers an example of a public figure who moved between economic policy, corporate leadership and traditional authority.

Gina Blay: From the newsroom to diplomatic service

Born October 29, 1956

Gina Ama Blay was born on October 29, 1956, in Ghana. She built a career in journalism, media management and public relations before taking up diplomatic responsibilities.

Her professional journey connected Ghana’s media industry with international representation.

Blay studied English and Philosophy at the University of Ghana and later obtained a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication.

She began her professional career in 1981 as a public relations officer at the Prices and Incomes Board. She subsequently worked in corporate communications before moving into media management.

In 1992, she became chief executive of Western Publications Limited, the company behind the Daily Guide newspaper. Her work in the private media industry also saw her serve in professional and organisational leadership positions, including as president of the Private Newspapers Publishers Association of Ghana.

Blay later entered diplomatic service and was appointed Ghana’s ambassador to Germany in June 2017, a position she held until December 2024, according to available biographical records.

Her career illustrates the transition from journalism and media entrepreneurship to diplomacy, with experience spanning communications, business management and public service.

David Nana Larbie: The lawyer who entered Parliament

Born October 29, 1950

David Nana Larbie was born on October 29, 1950, and is known for his work as a lawyer and politician.

A native of Awutu in the Central Region, he represented the Awutu-Senya constituency in Parliament during the Fourth Republic.

Larbie served as a Member of Parliament from January 2009 to January 2013, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Before entering Parliament, he worked as a legal consultant in London and served as a legal adviser. His education included studies at King's College London, where he pursued European Community Law and obtained a postgraduate diploma.

His career brought together legal practice and political representation, adding another dimension to the range of professional backgrounds associated with October 29.

EA