Former Greater NDC Chair Joseph Ade Coker is dead 

A Sudden loss

The political landscape of Ghana has been dealt a heavy blow with the passing of Joseph Ade Coker, former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He died on Saturday, May 31, at the Bank Hospital in Accra, following a short illness. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, family sources indicate that he had been ailing briefly before his demise. He was believed to be in his late 60s.

Champion of the grassroots

Joseph Ade Coker’s name is etched in the history of the NDC and Greater Accra regional politics. First elected in 2009, he served three consecutive terms as the party’s regional chairman, leading the party through general elections and internal upheavals with unmatched tenacity. Known for his charismatic presence and passionate speeches, Ade Coker was a mobiliser—an anchor for grassroots support and an unflinching defender of his party’s policies on radio and TV talk shows.

His leadership style was bold, sometimes controversial, but always grounded in his commitment to the NDC’s cause. Those who followed his political journey recall a man deeply connected to the streets of Accra, one who believed in the power of the ordinary party member.

A quiet exit from the spotlight

In 2022, after over a decade of service, Joseph Ade Coker’s tenure as regional chairman came to an end following a tightly contested internal election. He lost to Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, marking the close of an era. Yet, his departure from the chairmanship did not diminish his influence. He continued to mentor younger politicians and remained a trusted advisor within NDC circles.

Beyond politics: A Sports Administrator

Outside politics, Ade Coker wore another important hat—that of a sports administrator. He served as Vice Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), playing a crucial role during a transitional period in Ghanaian football. His administrative input helped shape the sport’s direction at a time when confidence in football leadership was being rebuilt.

Tributes from across the spectrum

Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from colleagues, political opponents, and admirers alike. One of the most touching came from Edudzi Tamekloe, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, who remembered him as a mentor and guide:

“He was a father figure, and he taught me a lot. He taught me one thing, you can’t stop people from talking about you but learn how to react,” said Tamekloe.
“You have served party and Ghana well,” he added.

Football stakeholders, including former GFA officials, have also acknowledged his contributions to Ghana’s football governance, describing him as a “patriot who understood the value of discipline, planning, and loyalty.”

A legacy that endures

Joseph Ade Coker’s life was one of service—to his party, to the sport he loved, and to the country he cherished. He was not without controversy, but even his critics agree that he stood firm in his beliefs and gave his all to the causes he championed. As the NDC and the nation mourn his passing, the memory of his unwavering voice and bold leadership will remain deeply rooted in Ghana’s political and sporting history.

His journey may have ended, but the legacy of Joseph Ade Coker lives on in the people he inspired, the structures he helped build, and the indelible mark he left on Ghanaian public life.