Casely-Hayford is an English language
patronymic surname that is native to Ghana. It is most commonly borne by the Casely-Hayford family, descendants of the 19th century
Euro-
Fante and
Pan-Africanist,
J. E. Casely-Hayford of
Cape Coast. The family is one of Ghana's most prominent families, and in recent times, its members have also risen to positions of influence in the
Black British elite. In 2008, the Casely-Hayfords were named on "
The Black Powerlist" as the most influential black family in the UK.[1]
Origin of the surname
The surname was originally simply Hayford. J.E. Casely-Hayford was the first member of his family - a
cadet branch of the
royal dynasty of
Cape Coast - to use the compound name, adding one of his forenames to the original to form Casely-Hayford.
Notable members of the family
The Casely-Hayfords have been prominent in the law, politics, the arts, and academia. Notable members include:
Beattie Casely-Hayford (1922–1989), Ghanaian engineer, the first Director of the Ghana Arts Council, a co-founder of the Ghana National Dance Ensemble, and Director of the
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)