The Parliament of Ghana and the broader governance community are mourning the passing of Samuel Ntim Darkwa, a revered parliamentary figure whose service to the nation spanned nearly four decades.
Mr. Darkwa, a former Clerk to Parliament, passed away after a distinguished career that made him one of the most influential administrative stewards in Ghana’s legislative history.
His unparalleled journey through Ghana’s legislative evolution began in 1961, culminating in his appointment as Clerk to Parliament — the highest administrative position in the legislature.
He served as Assistant Clerk to the 1968 Constituent Assembly and Clerk to the 1992 Consultative Assembly, cementing his place in Ghana’s democratic development.
Uniquely, Mr. Darkwa holds the distinction of having served in all Parliaments and Constituent Assemblies of Ghana from 1961 to 1997 — a period marked by constitutional reforms, political transitions, and institutional growth.
His deep expertise in parliamentary procedure and the intricate workings of the House and its Committees earned him accolades from both local and international peers.
He was a familiar face at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conferences and served as a resource person at several workshops and seminars across Southern Africa.
His scholarly contributions, particularly to The Parliamentarian — the CPA’s flagship journal — further bolstered his reputation as a thought leader in legislative affairs.
Following the political upheaval of 1966, Mr. Darkwa was transferred to the Office of the Head of State at the Castle, Osu, and later served in the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare and Rural Development.
He was subsequently seconded to the Commonwealth Youth Programme in Zambia, broadening his experience in governance and international development.
Even in retirement, Mr. Darkwa remained deeply engaged with Ghana’s democratic processes. He served as a consultant to both the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), contributing to studies on the performance of Parliament and reforms to the Standing Orders of the House.
In a moving testimony shared in 2008 with the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, Mr. Darkwa recalled how he single-handedly kept the legacy of Parliament intact following the 1981 coup d’état.
Alone with a skeletal staff, he preserved the dignity and symbols of the institution, including protecting the State Sword — the emblem of presidential authority — from military confiscation without proper authorisation. His resolute stance in that moment became a powerful symbol of his commitment to democratic governance.
His legacy lives on in the two seminal texts he co-authored with K. B. Ayensu, Ghana’s first indigenous Clerk to Parliament. How Our Parliament Functions and The Evolution of Parliament in Ghana remain essential references for students, practitioners, and researchers of Ghanaian political institutions.
Funeral Arrangements
In honour of his extraordinary life, the final rites for Mr. Samuel Ntim Darkwa will be held at Parliament House — a fitting venue for a man who gave so much to the institution.
Pre-Burial Service and File Past: Saturday, 3rd May 2025, from 7:30am to 8:30am at the Forecourt of Parliament House
Burial Service: Same venue, from 8:30am to 10:30am
Interment: Private
Final Funeral Rites: Immediately following the burial service at the Forecourt of Parliament House
Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, 4th May 2025 at Ridge Church, beginning at 10:00am
Attire: White
Mr. Samuel Ntim Darkwa leaves behind a legacy of integrity, quiet resilience, and unwavering service to the Republic of Ghana.
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