Hannah Benka-Coker

Hannah Benka-Coker, , née Luke (1903 – 17 June 1952) was an educator from Sierra Leone. She was one of the founders of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) which was established in 1926.

Personal life and education Born Hannah R Luke to Creole parents in British Sierra Leone, she was educated at the Annie Walsh Memorial School in Sierra Leone and Portway Institute in England. She married Justice S A Benka-Coker from the Gambia. She died in June 1952, aged 49.

Freetown Secondary School for Girls She organized a group of close family members and friends to plan a school that would offer a comprehensive, world-class education program for girls.

Girl Guides Benka-Coker was a member of the Girl Guide movement for over twenty years. Roles included commissioner for Sierra Leone Girl Guides and the first Africa Colony commissioner.

Other Benka-Coker was president of both the Sierra Leone Women's Movement and the Annie Walsh Old Girls Association.

Legacy Her contributions to the education of girls and women were lauded in Sierra Leone and internationally.

Benka-Coker has since had a statue erected in her honour.