Kwame Nkrumah’s son Gamal dies in Egypt at 68
Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, a veteran journalist, writer and son of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has died in Egypt at the age of 68.
The Nkrumah family announced his death on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in a statement issued by his sister, Samia Nkrumah.
According to the family, Gamal died peacefully in Cairo after battling a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment at a rehabilitation centre following a stroke.
Born in Accra in 1958, he was the son of Ghana’s founding President and his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
Gamal served as an editor at Al-Ahram Weekly, the English-language publication of Egypt’s Al-Ahram press organisation. He worked with the newspaper for more than 15 years, covering international affairs and writing extensively on African and global politics, particularly Pan-Africanism and Africa’s role in international relations.
He earned a doctorate in political science from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
His burial will take place in Egypt on October 17, 2026, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Gamal’s younger sister, Samia Nkrumah, is a Ghanaian politician who previously served as the Member of Parliament for Jomoro in the Western Region and chairperson of the Convention People’s Party (CPP). His younger brother, Sekou Nkrumah, is a Ghana-based writer and political activist.
In the family’s statement, Gamal was remembered as a man deeply committed to justice, human dignity, African unity and international solidarity. Through his journalism and commentary, he dedicated his work to exploring the political, social and cultural forces shaping Africa and the wider world.
The family described him as an intellectually curious and independent thinker whose convictions guided his work and personal life. It said he upheld his father’s enduring legacy while establishing his own identity through his principles and professional achievements.
His death, the statement noted, was a significant loss not only to the family but also to his friends, colleagues and readers who appreciated his insight, humanity and engagement with important global issues.
The family said it would remember Gamal with love, gratitude and pride, adding that his wisdom, kindness and commitment to his values would continue to inspire others.
It also expressed appreciation to those who supported him during his illness, particularly the medical professionals and caregivers in Cairo who attended to him. The family further thanked the governments and people of Ghana and Egypt for their support.
The Nkrumah family has appealed for privacy as it mourns his death, adding that details of memorial arrangements and opportunities to honour his life and legacy would be announced in due course.
About The Author
