He Was The Greatest Son Of Mafiland: Meet The Finance Minister Who Changed TransVolta To Volta Region

It’s another beautiful day, and as usual, we are continuing with our exploration of the life chapters, mistakes and lessons from the past Finance Ministers of Ghana. 

We are going straight to the Volta Region to unfold the life events of a man who cannot be forgotten in the history books of Ghana (especially during the First Republic). Although his name might not be familiar to you for certain reasons, he however championed and spearheaded key national agenda, which today, form the basis of our national development and integration.

Ferdinand Koblavi Dra Goka tripled as Ghana’s Second Minister for Finance, Regional Commissioner for the Volta Region and Minister for Trade and Finance (a merged ministry).

Historical, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah was the first person to become the Minister for Finance. This man we are talking about led in the construction of the Akosombo Dam. 

That was just by the way.

Goka also served as the Member of Parliament for Central Tongu for close to a decade (from 1956 to 1965) and a Member of Parliament for Adidome from 1965 to 1966. In his early political years, he served as the Deputy Minister for Health. 

Have you ever heard about the Jiagge Commission? Ferdinand Goka was one of the few persons who were appointed to operate under the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1964 (Act 250), N.L.C Investigation and Forfeiture of Assets Degree 72, to rigorously investigate assets of certain persons who served under Osagyefo’s regime. 

Unfortunately, the table turn around. Half a decade later, some reports of the Commission pointed at Goka, and accused him of engaging in Financial Misconduct while working with Nkrumah, during his era of adminstration. In the end, the government issued a statement to confiscate his assets ( a new commercial building at Adidome and his Mawuli House at Adidome), which were valued at £13, 160 at that time. 

Despite his love for teaching, his passion for politics made him service his motherland in a special way, in all angles. 

Ferdinand was also a man of God. He received his Catechism Certificate from the Ewe Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Ho, Volta Region. 

It was not surprising he took that step because his father, F.D Goka was a Reverend Minister. 

In the field of teaching, after accepting an appointment as a Grade 1 Teacher at the Keta Presbyterian Middle School, and having taught for a while, he resigned in June 1948 and started a new role as the Assistant Education Secretary of Anlo-Tongu District Education Committee.

A reliable historical material has revealed that Goka was the brain behind the change of Trans Volta Togoland to Volta Region. No wonder Togbe Kwasinyi Agyeman IV, the Fia of Adidome described him as “The Greatest Son of Mafiland”. 

The legend died in 2007 at the age of 88.

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