ARTICLE: The legacy of R S Blay lives on
When Robert Samuel Blay set foot in Ghana after completing his studies in the UK in 1926, he fearlessly took up the mantle of the nationalist movement
The indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of our illustrious son R S Blay will for ever be etched in the annals of Ghana’s modern history.
His contributions and commitment to the nationalist struggle have played an integral role in propelling our beloved nation towards the precipice of independence and eventual freedom.
As a member of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society (ARPS) and the West African Students’ Union (WASU) in London, he selflessly combined his studies with the tireless agitation for the liberation of our cherished Gold Coast.
From the moment R S Blay set foot in Ghana after completing his studies in the United Kingdom in 1926, he fearlessly took up the mantle of the nationalist movement.
As a man of immense vision, he embodied the hopes and aspirations of the people of Gold Coast, becoming a pillar and a landmark in our national history.
Alongside much-admired colleagues such as George Alfred Grant and Dr J B Danquah, he spearheaded the fight for Ghana’s independence in the 1940s.
R S Blay, a true patriot, dedicated his life to laying a solid foundation for our beloved country. Among his numerous contributions, he served as a founding member and the first vice-president of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
He also held the esteemed position of Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, ensuring that justice and fairness prevailed in our nation.
As the first president of the Ghana Bar Association, he championed the cause of legal practitioners, upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
In addition to his legal and political endeavours, Blay showed a commitment which extended to various domains crucial to our nation’s development. He served as the Speaker of the 1969 Constituent Assembly, contributing to the formation of the constitution of the Second Republic, which evolved into our current constitutional arrangements for the Fourth Republic.
Moreover, he was a member of the first board of directors of the Bank of Ghana, playing a significant role in shaping our financial sector. His service on the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast and as a Member of Parliament further exemplified his dedication to representing the voices of the people.
R S Blay’s profound wisdom and sense of sacrifice permeated his family, instilling in them the essence of community and national service. Their exemplary dedication, patriotism, and loyalty to our country stand as a testament to his teachings.
The indomitable spirit of Robert Samuel Blay continues to thrive, evident in the remarkable contributions of his descendants to national, African and global development. This enduring commitment to progress runs deep within the veins of his lineage, forging a legacy that remains steadfast.
Dr Mary Chinery-Hesse, a daughter of R S Blay, stands tall as a trailblazer. She was the first African woman to serve as a deputy director general of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and has left an indelible mark.
Before this, she graced another major outpost of the United Nations Organisation as the resident co-ordinator of the UN System and resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme, among other prestigious positions.
Currently, she occupies the esteemed position of Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and her wisdom is still sought on the African Union.
Panel of the wise
Following in the footsteps of the venerable Right Honourable Justice R S Blay is Her Excellency Dr (Mrs) Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, a Ghanaian-UK-trained medical doctor who has played a pivotal role in advancing health-care delivery in both countries.
With her invaluable expertise, she serves as the presidential advisor on HIV/Aids and previously served as Ghana’s high commissioner to Sierra Leone.
Among the grandchildren of R S Blay, Herman Chinery-Hesse shines as a beacon of technological prowess.
Known as Africa’s own Bill Gates, he excels as a software engineer and holds the esteemed position of chairman and co-founder of SOFTtribe Ltd, one of Africa’s premier software hubs.
Another great patriot is Honourable Freddie Blay, who has carved a prominent niche in Ghanaian politics. As a former Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and first deputy Speaker during his tenure as an MP, he remains a paragon of legal expertise.
He served as the national first vice-chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from 2014 to 2016 and then as NPP national chairman from 2016 to 2022.
Under his leadership, the NPP won the presidential elections in 2016 and 2020. At present, he serves as the chairman of the board of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
Ama Afo Blay, a distinguished educationist, has made significant contributions in service to the nation. She has had an illustrious career, holding prestigious positions such as director general of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Eastern regional director of GES.
Making tremendous strides in Ghana’s political landscape is Augustine Blay (PhD), another descendant of R S Blay who stands at the forefront in his area of endeavour. Since 2017, he has served admirably as the executive secretary in the Office of the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana.
With over 20 years of experience in technology, specialising in digital transformation, data sciences and artificial intelligence, Augustine Blay oversees digitisation initiatives launched by his boss, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in deploying the technology solutions that underpinned the 2012 and 2016 election monitoring and collation programme of the NPP.
His technological prowess led the team that built the tools and systems to tabulate and analyse meticulously results (pink sheets) during the NPP’s Election 2012 petition to the Supreme Court.
Indeed, the values and legacy of R S Blay continue to reverberate through the generations. To commemorate his impact, the second R S Blay Memorial Lecture is scheduled for Friday 23 June 2023, in partnership with Takoradi Technical University.
At the inaugural R S Blay Memorial Lecture in 2022, the guest speaker was none other than His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic.
This year, the Blay Foundation is honoured to have as its guest speaker Right Honourable Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, an esteemed statesman in his own right. The lecture will take place in the magnificent auditorium of Takoradi Technical University, commencing at 10am on Friday.
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