Okaikoi- Dedicated to the memory of Sarah Okaikoi

Welcome to my first blogpost for Okaikoi’s contemporary African art inspired by the Ga language (of the GaDangme people, Accra Ghana), with influences of the western world. 

Okaikoi was birthed from a desire to create and maintain the legacy of the (written) Ga language and the expressions of the Ga Samai symbols. The company’s name Okaikoi pays homage to my Grandmother (Naomi Okaikoi) who has lovingly taught me the traditions of the Ga culture. 

Sisters Naomi and Sarah Okaikoi, 1960s

I planned to share some ideas about Okaikoi, but instead decided to dedicate my first post to the untimely departure of my Aunty Sarah C Kukuorkor Mills Okaikoi who has joined our African Ancestors. 

Aunty Sarah consistently advocated for our rich heritage of the GaDangme people and the empowerment of young black females to be successful within their profession of choice.

My numerous trips to visit my Grandma always included time spent with Aunty Sarah relaxing at home, attending engagements or formal receptions. I am truly blessed hold memories of being introduced to the late president John Evans F Atta Mills, the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the artist Ablade Glover to name a few. I especially enjoyed attending markets and her whispering to keep quiet, as my English accent would increase the price of a product while in Jamestown fish market.

Aunty Sarah was a beautiful person in and out and was a muse to James Barnor (the renowned Ghanaian photographer) who captured her image beautifully through his lens as his “first Ghanaian model in London”.

“My introduction of Black Faces On UK MAGAZINES started with this image of Sarah. To me, she possessed the most beautiful face I ever photographed” 

James Barnor, 2020

 Sarah Mill Okaikoi, Flamingo Cover, Ghana Edition, London, 1965

I write this piece still trying to wrap my head around the fact that, I will no longer hear her call me ‘Kukueley Jr’ (as I share the same middle name as my Grandma. Among the Ga people, it identifies me as the first born daughter to my Mother). I am comforted by the precious memories that drive me to share my story and the birth story of the Okaikoi brand. I look forward to sharing the beauty of the Ga culture and it’s colourful language to persevere its legacy for the next generation and exhibit its beauty to the world.  

Yaawo ojogbaa (rest in peace) 

Credit: Photographer James Barnor