Life History

Born on September 29, 1923, at Dodowa, then a thriving business centre of the Eastern Region of the Gold Coast to Mr J.W. Blankson-Mills, Town Clerk (a position commonly called European Appointment, but now Mayor of the Municipal Town Council) and Madam Beatrice Naaki Nartey all of Royal descendant of James Town British Accra, and both deceased. 

Education and Professional

Had her Primary education at Dodowa Methodist Primary School and completed Middle School ‘Standard 7’ at the Accra Methodist Girls School, then situated in the centre of Accra adjacent to Accra Municipal Assembly near the main Post Office. 

She gained a scholarship to train as a certified teacher at Wesley College, Kumasi, from 1940 - 1942. After successfully completing her studies, she taught at Mmofraturo Girls Boarding for two years.

She gained another scholarship to Southlands Teacher Training College, Wimbledon London UK which is now University of Roehampton, for further studies.

In 1948, upon her return to the Gold Coast, she took over as Headmistress from the late Sister Rose, a British national. She became the first African headmistress of the Accra Methodist Girls School in her ALMA MATER.

In 1959-1960 she was able to complete two courses in Education at New York University, the USA where her husband was also on postgraduate study leave.

Entrepreneurial

In 1962, a little bird whistled to her to start her own school. New Hope School was born and it is now 59 years old.  Her dream/vision was to help educate people from all walks of life. Starting the school was a great achievement indeed considering the odds she faced as a female entrepreneur. When times were difficult, she did not relent or give up but simply pressed on. Her dream of running and keeping her school active was a challenge she deeply loved.

Today, New Hope School, Ltd., has the Primary School, and a Júnior Secondary School and continues to thrive. The school stands as a testament to her perseverance and has established a high standard of academic excellence and achievement.  Many old boys and girls hold leadership positions in Ghana and the global community, contributing in diverse career fields such as banking, business, education, dentistry, medicine, allied health sciences. STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) and many other fields.  

Other

She was born into a devoted methodist family and was baptized and raised as a Methodist.  She was a lifelong member of the Wesley Methodist Church in Accra for most of her adult life.  She was a committed member of various committees and groups within the congregations such as the Methodist Women’s Fellowship.  She made a great contribution to the mission and work of the Methodist Church in Ghana. 

Mrs Cofie was eternally thankful and grateful to the Almighty for his many blessings as she combined marriage, professional career and entrepreneurship endeavours whilst raising her children.

Her children still came to her for advice until the very end. She was always ready to listen and offer advice and words of comfort and reassurance to other family members who came to her with whatever problems they had.

Her greatest trait was her GENEROSITY.

Passed Away At the Age of 93 On November 9^th, 2016.