The National Democratic Congress (NDC) gathered in Accra for a special vigil on Friday, November 3, 2023, to commemorate the life and legacy of their late National Vice Chairperson and former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Sherry Ayittey.
Madam Sherry Ayittey, who passed away at the age of 75 on July 22, 2023, was honored at the vigil.
Born in 1948, she left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political and administrative landscape.
Having had her secondary education at Labone Secondary School in Accra as part of the 1965-67 year group, Madam Ayittey pursued her academic aspirations further.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, formerly known as the University of Science and Technology (UST).
Madam Ayittey’s professional journey included roles as the managing director of Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC) Distilleries.
She also served on various management boards in Ghana, including the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation, now Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ghana Forestry Commission, and the Ghana Export Promotion Council.
Notably, she led Ghana’s delegation to important international conferences, such as the Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, where the famous Paris Climate Agreement was reached.
Madam Ayittey was a founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and made significant contributions to the party and government, serving in various capacities, including as a women’s activist, a minister of state, and a National Vice Chairperson.
Her remarkable journey in public service saw her appointed as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology in President John Atta Mills’ government after the 2008 presidential election.
In January 2013, she was appointed Minister for Health by President John Dramani Mahama, succeeding Alban Bagbin.
Subsequently, on June 9, 2014, President Mahama reassigned her to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture.