-Following the Passing of Her Son
On September 17th, the African continent mourned the loss of Herman Kojo Chinery-Hesse, a brilliant young IT innovator widely recognized as Africa’s Bill Gates. Herman was the beloved son of Honorable Mary Chinery-Hesse, a distinguished figure known for her groundbreaking contributions as the first female Deputy Director-General of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), the first female Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and a Special Advisor to former President John Kufuor.
The news of Herman’s passing has deeply affected the Eminent Women of Liberia and their counterparts from sister African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Lesotho. These women, who form the Liberia Women’s Situation Room for the upcoming 2023 elections, have expressed their profound sorrow at the loss of Aunty Mary’s son.
Honorable Mary Chinery-Hesse, affectionately known as “Aunty Mary,” has been a cornerstone of the Women Situation Room at the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Development. Her leadership and dedication have shaped the organization since its inception, impacting women’s empowerment initiatives across several African countries.
Herman Chinery-Hesse was not only a celebrated IT guru but also the founder of SOFTtribe, a company recognized as one of West Africa’s leading software firms. His visionary approach and innovative contributions to the digital landscape earned him the title of the Bill Gates of Africa. His legacy as a trailblazer in technology and entrepreneurship is expected to inspire future generations.
In a recent statement, the women of Liberia, along with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, extended their deepest condolences to Aunty Mary, his sister Naa, and the entire Chinery-Hesse family. They expressed their prayers for strength during this difficult time and emphasized the significant impact Herman had on Ghana and the broader African community.
