Eva Lokko facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eva Lokko
12th Director-General of the GBC
In office August 2002 – November 2005
Nominated by	National Media Commission
President	John Kufuor
Preceded by	Seth Ago-Adjetey
Succeeded by	Yaw Owusu Addo (acting)
Personal details
Born	Eva Naa Merley Lokko
Died	6 October 2016 (aged 64)
Nationality	Ghanaian
Political party	Progressive People's Party
Spouse	Nii K. Bentsi-Enchill
Children	2
Education	Wesley Girls' High School
Occupation	Civil Servant Politician
Profession	Engineer

Eva Naa Merley Lokko was an amazing Ghanaian woman. She was a civil servant, an engineer, and a politician. She made history as the first woman to be chosen as a Vice-Presidential candidate in Ghana. This was for the Progressive People's Party (PPP).

She ran alongside Paa Kwesi Nduom, the leader of the PPP. This happened during the 2012 Presidential elections in Ghana. Eva Lokko was also the first female managing director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). She passed away on October 6, 2016.

Early Life and Education

Eva Lokko came from the Ga-Adangbe ethnic group in Ghana. She attended Wesley Girls' High School in Cape Coast. At school, she was a talented athlete and sports captain. She won many awards in hurdles, javelin, 100-meter races, relays, and high jump.

She became an engineer, which is a very skilled job. She earned a master's degree in Satellite Communications Engineering. This was from the former Soviet Union. She also got another master's degree from the United Kingdom. This one was in Intelligent Management Systems.

Her Career Journey

Eva Lokko was a true pioneer. In 1972, she became the first Satellite Communications Engineer at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). She was also the first woman engineer ever hired there. She helped install Ghana's first color television system in 1985.

She worked in over 40 countries around the world. She helped develop the internet in Africa for the United Nations Development Programme. For 13 years, she worked with the United Nations. She even led the UN Federation of International Civil Servants Association.

In 2002, Eva Lokko became the Director-General of the GBC. She was the first and only woman to hold this top position. The GBC was started in 1953. She worked in this role until 2005.

Eva Lokko was also the CEO of Totally Youth. This was a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Accra, Ghana. NGOs are groups that work for social causes. After she passed away, Regent University College of Science and Technology honored her. They created the "Eva Lokko Scholarship" for bright female students who need help paying for school.

Political Path

Eva Lokko was a member of the Progressive People's Party (PPP).

Becoming a Vice-Presidential Candidate

Before the 2012 Ghanaian Presidential election, she made history again. The PPP leader, Paa Kwesi Nduom, chose her as his running mate. This made her the first woman to be a Vice-Presidential candidate for a major party in Ghana.

In that election, John Mahama won. The PPP came in third place.

Running for Parliament

Before the 2016 elections, Eva Lokko planned to run for Parliament. She wanted to represent the Klottey Korle area for the PPP. She was set to compete against Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Philip Addison. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings later won that election.

Her Faith and Family

Eva Lokko was a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church of Ghana. She was involved in important church decisions. She also advised the church's youth and helped with their technology needs.

She was from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Eva Lokko could speak many languages. These included Ga, Twi, English, Russian, and French. She was married to Nii K. Bentsi-Enchill. They had two children together.

Her Passing

Eva Lokko passed away on October 6, 2016, at age 64. She was in the United States for medical treatment. She was buried on November 18, 2016, in Osu cemetery. A memorial service was held at the State House. Many important people attended, including politicians and civil servants.