Theodosia Salome Okoh (13 June 1922 – 19 April 2015) was a Ghanaian teacher, artist and civic figure whose work left a visible imprint on her country. She is most widely remembered for designing the national flag adopted at Ghana's independence in 1957. Beyond her contribution to national symbols, she played a sustained role in developing field hockey and in education and the arts.

Design of the national flag

Okoh created the flag that accompanied Ghana into independence. The banner consists of three horizontal bands of red, gold and green with a single black five-pointed star centered on the gold stripe. The composition and colors were chosen to express broad themes associated with the young nation and pan-African aspiration.

  • Red: commonly interpreted as the blood shed in the struggle for freedom and the courage of the people.
  • Gold (yellow): reflects the country’s mineral wealth and the aspiration for prosperity.
  • Green: symbolizes the nation’s forests, agriculture and natural resources.
  • Black star: an emblem of African emancipation and unity, often linked to the broader pan-African movement.

Career and contributions

Okoh worked as a teacher and painter, activities through which she contributed to civic life and cultural education. She also became closely associated with the promotion of hockey in Ghana, serving in leadership and organizational capacities that helped expand the sport at school and club levels. Her involvement is widely credited with raising the profile of hockey and encouraging participation by women and youth.

Legacy and significance

The flag Okoh designed remains one of Ghana’s most enduring national symbols and is central to official ceremonies, public commemorations and everyday civic identity. Her dual legacy in sport and education complements this symbolic achievement: she is remembered both for a simple, powerful visual emblem and for practical work that fostered athletics and learning. Accounts of her life and work can be found in biographical summaries and resources about Ghana’s independence and national symbols (biography, flag details).

Although many public figures contributed to Ghana’s early institutions, Okoh’s name is uniquely linked to the national flag. She died in 2015, and in the years that followed her death public commentary and commemorations recalled her artistic gift and community service. Her story is often cited when discussing the visual and cultural foundations of Ghanaian national identity.