Gamal Nkrumah, eldest son of Kwame Nkrumah, dies at 68 in Egypt

Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, veteran journalist, writer and son of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has died in Cairo, Egypt, aged 68.

The Nkrumah family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, saying he passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, after a prolonged illness.

According to the family, Gamal had been receiving care at a rehabilitation centre in Cairo after suffering a stroke.

“It is with profound sadness that the Nkrumah family announces the passing of Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, beloved son of Ghana’s founding President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and a respected journalist, writer and intellectual,” the statement issued by his younger sister, Samia Nkrumah, said.

Born in Accra in 1958 to Kwame Nkrumah and his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah, Gamal built a career in journalism, becoming editor of ‘Al-Ahram Weekly’, the English-language publication of Egypt’s Al-Ahram press organisation.

He spent more than 15 years with the publication, covering international affairs and writing on African and global politics, with particular interest in Pan-Africanism and Africa’s position in world affairs.

He also studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where he earned a doctorate in political science.

The family described him as a man of “profound intellectual curiosity, independence of thought and quiet conviction,” who upheld his father’s legacy while building his own reputation through his work and principles.

It said he remained committed to justice, human dignity, African unity and international solidarity throughout his life.

His burial is scheduled for October 17 in Egypt, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The family expressed gratitude to the medical professionals and caregivers who supported him during his illness, as well as to the governments and people of Ghana and Egypt.

It also requested privacy during the mourning period, adding that further details about memorial arrangements would be communicated later.