HANNAH KUDJOE

How often do you see an artisan become a nationalist who not only moves the hearts of people but also contributes to the destiny of her nation?

This is the remarkable story of Hannah Kudjoe, a lady who defied the norms of her time and emerged as a prominent figure in the male-dominated nationalist movement of pre-independence Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast. 

Hannah Kudjoe was a simple dressmaker, living with her brother after an unfortunate divorce, when she met Kwame Nkrumah (the lead nationalist for Ghana’s independence and Ghana’s first prime minister and president). A 20-minute conversation completely changed the trajectory of Kudjoe’s life. She had understood that women, too, had an obligation in national politics. This was her entry point into political activism.

In no time, Kudjoe had joined the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), the leading political party at that time. She didn’t need grand speeches at podiums or conferences. Her impact rose from the grassroots - the relationships she had built with the local community - to mobilise support for the UGCC. Due to the significance of her role, Hannah was given the responsibility of being the founding member of the Committee on Youth Organisation (CYO) within the UGCC, which would mobilise the youth in the political sphere.

Then came February of 1948. The colonial government arrested the “Big Six” of the UGCC for organising the AWAM boycott against imported European goods. Hannah Kudjoe single-handedly staged demonstrations, raised funds and campaigned for their release. 

However, ideological rifts within UGCC led to a split. Nkrumah and his supporters broke away and formed the Convention People’s Party (CPP). During her time at the CPP, she was operating in the Positive Action Campaign in January of 1950, a movement that used non-violent protests, campaigns and strikes to fight imperialism. This campaign, led by Hannah Kudjoe, significantly accelerated the approach towards self-government of the Gold Coast. And, finally, Ghana gained its independence on March 6, 1957.

Hannah Kudjoe's pivotal role during the march to independence was instrumental in shaping the destiny of Ghana. Her years of dedication didn’t stop there. She redirected her strength to fight for development and opportunity for Ghanaian women. In 1957, just after independence, Kudjoe founded the All-African Women’s League, which later became the Ghana Women’s League, to uplift women’s socio-economic standing. She spearheaded welfare and philanthropic programs, such as distributing food during the famine, social welfare work where she taught young women and adults basic life skills like home-keeping and dressmaking, and women empowerment programmes. As the National Secretary of Ghana Day Nurseries in the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, she led the establishment of day nurseries throughout the communities in Ghana. 

But after Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown from power, it seemed like Hannah Kudjoe had disappeared. Her name faded from the minds of people. Her dedication seemed to be rarely spoken of. 

To forget her would be to ignore a crucial part of Ghana’s independence story. Hannah Kudjoe's journey reminds us that behind every great movement are those who work tirelessly, even if history did not record their names in bold. Her legacy is a testament to the weight of her contributions.

~Nwadinma Amucheazi, Chief Editor 25/26 Committee

Sources:

Image credits: Allman, Jean, ed. (2004). Fashioning Africa: Power and the Politics of Dress. Indiana University Press. ISBN 9780253111043. Accessed 12th October, 2025