Kofi Ansah

• Name — Kofi Ansah • Born — 6 July 1951 • Birthplace — Ghana • Died — 3 May 2014 • Place of death — Accra, Ghana • Occupation — Fashion designer • Education — Chelsea School of Art • Spouse — Nicola Ansah • Children — Joey Ansah, Ryan Ansah and Tanoa Sasraku

Ansah was born in Ghana in 1951 into an artistic family and his interest in art and design was encouraged by his father, a photographer and classical musician. Ansah studied at Chelsea School of Art, graduating in 1979 with a first-class honours degree in fashion design and distinction in design technology. He initially made his name working on the UK fashion scene as he made headlines on his graduation when he made a beaded top for Princess Anne. In 1992 he returned to Ghana, where he set up and ran the successful design and creative concept company Artdress. He was the founder and past president of the Federation of African Designers. Characteristic of his style was the use of quilting, embroidery and appliqué. He died at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, aged 62, on 3 May 2014. His funeral was held in the forecourt of State House in Accra.