FORMER EC DEPUTY CHAIR DAVID ADEENZE KANGAH DIES AT 78

A former Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr. David Adeenze Kangah, has passed away at the age of 78. His death was confirmed on Friday, October 3, though details about the cause remain unclear.

Mr. Kangah served as Deputy Chairman in charge of Finance and Administration until his compulsory retirement in April 2012, after 19 years of service. Following his exit, the late President John Evans Atta Mills commended him for his dedicated contribution to the nation.

Profile of David Adeenze Kangah

Born on April 29, 1947, in Sandema, Mr. Kangah was a distinguished educator, elections administrator, and conflict resolution expert. He attended Tamale Secondary School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Cape Coast in 1972. He later pursued postgraduate training in the UK and obtained a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University, Ohio.

He began his career as a teacher of Physics and Mathematics, becoming the founding headmaster of Zamse Secondary Technical School (1976–1987), which he developed into one of Northern Ghana’s leading schools. He later headed Navrongo Secondary School until 1993.

Mr. Kangah joined the National Commission for Democracy and subsequently the Interim National Electoral Commission, before being appointed Deputy Chairman of the EC in 1993. For nearly two decades, he played a key role in Ghana’s democratic transition, overseeing finance, administration, policy, logistics, and international election observation. His expertise also took him to several countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States as a consultant, trainer, and election observer for ECOWAS and the Commonwealth.

Beyond the EC, he held leadership positions in GNAT, CHASS, the Ghana Schools and Colleges Sports Federation, and international conflict resolution associations. He later served on Ghana’s Council of State and remained active in peacebuilding, farming, and conflict mediation.

Mr. Kangah was married to the late Mary Kangah and is survived by eight children. He is remembered in Bulsaland and beyond for his lifelong service to education, governance, and national development.