Three Generations, One Mission: Greek Shipowning family transforms lives

By Peter Martey AGBEKO

For over three decades, a powerful bond of friendship, philanthropy, and quiet service has existed between the people of Ghana and the family of Greek shipowner Captain Panagiotis N. Tsakos.

What began as a commercial maritime relationship in the early 1980s has grown into a remarkable legacy of compassion, education, and transformational support—spanning three generations of the Tsakos family.

A Lifeline in Ghana’s Oil Journey

In the early 1980s, when Ghana urgently required crude oil to stabilise its energy supply, the Tsakos Group stepped in.

With Tema’s existing oil berth limited to 20,000 tons, it was the Group that undertook expansion works, increasing capacity to over 45,000 tons—facilitating the delivery of a gift cargo of crude oil at a crucial national moment.

The Tsakos fleet transported crude on behalf of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Tema Oil Refinery when it was still operational.

The Group not only contributed to the country’s energy sector but also boosted the maritime industry, drydocking their vessels at the Tema Shipyard to the tune of over US$1 million during its peak years of operation.

In 2014, they went a step further by donating valuable equipment to the shipyard—yet another quiet gesture of goodwill.

Strengthening Ties through Representation

Captain P. N. Tsakos, who also serves as Ghana’s Honorary Consul in Greece, has been instrumental in promoting Ghanaian industry and supporting the Ghanaian community in Greece. His enduring commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic links between the two countries remains an invaluable asset.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Greece once again demonstrated its solidarity with Ghana by donating vaccine doses—a gesture that underscored the depth of the friendship between the two nations. The support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Greece has been particularly noteworthy in enhancing these bilateral relations.

In another initiative further strengthening cultural and educational ties Honourable Nikolaos Dendias, has constructed a brand-new basketball court for the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation School. Fittingly, the court is named after Giannis Antetokounmpo, the celebrated Greek-Nigerian basketball player, whose story of resilience and success resonates deeply with the aspirations of the school’s pupils.

The Birth of a School—and a New Beginning for Many

The next generation took the mantle with equal dedication. During his first business trip to Ghana, Nicholas Tsakos, Captain Tsakos’ son and CEO of the public-listed TEN (Tsakos Energy Navigation), was moved by the plight of children in Tema Newtown who had no access to formal education.

This encounter led to the creation of the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation School—a beacon of hope where over 220 children aged 3 to 16 are now educated free of charge. With two nutritious meals provided daily, the school has graduated three successive cohorts of students—all with a 100% pass rate. Each graduate has progressed to senior secondary or technical college, a testament to the school’s exceptional impact.

Supporting this mission is a team of dedicated individuals, including Mrs Mariana Gabriel, Honorary Consul of Cyprus and Greece in Ghana and a trustee of the charity. She has offered valuable support to the school’s activities, helping to strengthen its outreach and promote its vision of accessible education for all.

A Family Affair: Love in Action

This is no ordinary philanthropic project. It is a deeply personal mission for the Tsakos family. The third generation—Elisavet, Irene, and their cousin Melissa—recently volunteered at the school. Konstantinos, a father-like figure to them, was also present. They were joined by the family of Mr Kosmatos, the CFO of TEN, as well as members of the Lotus and Leon Shipping families, STRONG SUPPORTERS OF THE SCHOOL. Among them was Eleni Efthymiadis and her four friends Danae, Marianna, Ioli, and Sophia, who came not just with helping hands, but with big hearts.

From teaching Greek and English to organising sports, dance, and career guidance sessions, these young volunteers created unforgettable memories. Their warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on the pupils, many of whom now dare to dream bigger. The volunteers have expressed a deep desire to return and are mobilising resources to further support the school.

Among their visionary plans is the construction of accommodation for teachers and shelters for children whose guardians are in difficult circumstances—a move that would further entrench the school as a place of safety, stability and upward mobility.

Giving in Many Forms

During their recent visit, the delegation made a symbolic donation of GHS 5,000 to the elders representing the Chief of Tema Newtown. Each member of staff at the school received gifts of oil and rice, while donations of laptops, children’s clothing, toys, and educational materials were made to enhance learning and care.

Support was also extended to two vulnerable children under the school’s care in the Volta Region—one suffering from a severe skin condition and the other from epilepsy. The visiting team took time to meet and uplift these children, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to holistic support beyond the classroom.

Broadening Horizons

In another landmark initiative, the St. Nicholas Foundation is collaborating with the Maritime University of Ghana, BSM (Bernhard Schulte Management), and the Navy Cadet Corps to explore scholarship opportunities for its graduates. Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders including TEN, Lotus, Leon, the Maria Tsakos Foundation and ICS Greece, to offer advanced maritime education pathways for these bright, deserving students.

One earlier volunteer pairing—mother and daughter Natalia Margioli and Anastasia—also left a lasting impression. Natalia, who represents the International Chamber of Shipping in Greece and is Founder and MD of the Hellenic Management Centre, brought both professional and emotional support to the initiative

Notably, the Tsakos family have for years supported Ghana’s Olympic team during the tenure of Professor Francis Dodoo, further underscoring their wide-reaching contributions to Ghanaian development.

A Global Network of Giving

Among the key individuals driving the Foundation’s future ambitions is founding trustee Deborah Eleazar, also a trustee of the Chaffinch Trust—of which HRH The Princess Royal  is patron. She is working to bring donated medical equipment to rural hospitals and clinics in Ghana, pending the granting of a customs waiver. This initiative could significantly improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

The St. Nicholas Story: Now in Print

The touching story of the school has been captured in a new book The St. Nicholas Story written by Devin Paladino following his visit to the school. Available on Amazon, the book—while using fictional characters—is based on true events and highlights the struggles of children in Africa to access education. It serves as both an educational tool and a beacon of awareness for global readers.

The Motto: Every Child Deserves an Education

The guiding philosophy of the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation School is simple yet profound: Every Child Deserves an Education. And it is through this commitment that they hope to break the poverty cycle into which many of these children were born.

As Ghana continues its journey of development, stories like this remind us that real change often comes not through grand speeches, but through sustained acts of love, partnership, and shared humanity.

Thanks to the Tsakos family, their dedicated volunteers, and supportive partners, hope has a new name in Tema Newtown: St. Nicholas. And for hundreds of children, the future has never looked brighter.

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