Beneath the light green gabled roof, what stories does the Casely-Hayford Building hold? This is no ordinary building. This is the Casely-Hayford Building in Kumasi. It is a landmark with a rich history connected to a prominent Ghanaian figure.
The Casely-Hayford Building houses the Institute of Distance Learning IDL of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology KNUST. Specifically, the IDL is located on the second floor. The building serves as a vital hub for students pursuing education through KNUST’s distance learning programs.
Let’s delve into the story of the man behind the name. Archie Casely-Hayford was a British-trained Ghanaian barrister and politician. Born in Axim, Gold Coast, in 1898, he was the son of Beatrice Madelene Pinnock and Joseph Ephraim Casely Hayford. His father was a respected pan-Africanist.
Archie received his early education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. He continued his studies in Britain at Dulwich College, London. Later, he attended Clare College, University of Cambridge. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in law and economics.
Before returning to the Gold Coast, Archie married Esther Smith in London in 1921. From 1921 to 1936, he practiced law. He also served on the Sekondi Town Council beginning in 1926. In 1936, he became a district magistrate and rose to senior district magistrate by 1948.
Entering national politics, Archie joined Kwame Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party CPP. Before the 1951 elections, he defended Nkrumah and other CPP leaders. This earned him the title “Defender of the Verandah Boys”.
In Nkrumah’s first government, Casely-Hayford became Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1951. He later served as Minister of Communications and Minister for the Interior.
Archie Casely-Hayford played a crucial role in Ghana’s journey to independence. On 6 March 1957, when Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence, Archie stood beside him. He was photographed on the podium with other prominent figures like Kojo Botsio and Komla Agbeli Gbedemah.
Ghana honoured Casely-Hayford with the Grand Medal. He also received the Queen’s Coronation Medal from Britain. At the time of his death on 20 August 1977, he was the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
His legacy continues through his children. His eldest son, Beattie Casely-Hayford, became the first director of the Ghana Arts Council. Another son, Louis Casely-Hayford, served as CEO of the Volta River Authority.
Today, the Casely-Hayford Building stands as a testament to Archie Casely-Hayford’s contributions to Ghana. It serves as a center for learning and a reminder of his dedication to education and national development. The building supports KNUST’s mission to provide accessible and high-quality education to students across Ghana. It opens its doors Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. So, as you stand before this building remember the man whose name it proudly carries.