About Esi Afran

 

Cecilia Afran Gaisie (Esi Afran) was born on 24th May 1936 in Ghana, to Philip Afran Gaisie and Adwoa Kwansaa. She spent her formative years in Ghana at a Catholic girls’ school (Holy Child School), and went on to study law at the University of Hull in England.

 

She returned to Ghana in 1964 and first engaged in private legal practice, and subsequently joined the Judicial Service. She was appointed a High Court Judge in 1975. Her role in questioning the practices of the military regime in Ghana, ultimately led to her abduction and murder in June 1982.

 

She pre-deceased both of her parents, and also left behind a son and three daughters. She was a keen advocate of education for all, and in particular for women.

 

The Esi Afran Foundation was established in her memory, to keep alive the passion that she brought to improving access to quality education for all.