Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is the first female Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan and has excelled in medicine and academia. With numerous qualifications, she has held prominent roles before embarking on her political career. Her royal heritage did not deter her ambition, leading to significant contributions in healthcare and Parliament with a focus on women’s and children’s welfare.
Ghana’s Parliament features a notable representation of women, constituting approximately 15 percent of the 275 members, with 40 female MPs currently serving. Among these distinguished individuals is Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, a trailblazer as the first female Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region.
In addition to her political career, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah has garnered significant accomplishments in both medicine and academia. Some may question why she chose a path into politics, often viewed as corrupt, given her extensive credentials.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin and possesses a diverse academic portfolio that includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in Surgery. Moreover, she completed a Surgical Sub-Specialty at the University of California, San Diego.
Her previous roles include serving as the Country Director of Project Hope, Clinical Director at Sage Medical Centre, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah, USA. A video documentary showcases her remarkable journey, revealing her multifaceted career.
Possessing royal heritage, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah has maintained a humble approach to her aspirations of becoming a medical doctor. She belongs to the Royal Amagina Abratia Abusua of the Essikado Kojokrom Paramountcy, with a lineage that includes former queen mothers.
In her documentary, she remarked on her mother’s royal heritage, stating, “My mother was the little girl sitting in front of the palanquin with Nana Kwabena Nketia IV when he was being outdoored.”
Notably, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s initial academic pursuits centered on humanities rather than sciences. She completed her A-levels studying History, English Literature, and Religious Studies, holding no science subjects.
After her national service in Ghana, she ventured to the United States, where her passion for sciences flourished amid challenging circumstances marked by harsh weather and racism. She accomplished an impressive academic trajectory:
– Four years of undergraduate studies
– Four years of medical school
– Two years of master’s studies
– Five years of surgical residency
She described her surgical residency as “very, very difficult because it’s like you are being hammered for five years, and every step of the way, they increase the hammering.”
Today, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah is recognized as a leading medical practitioner globally. In 2013, she returned to Ghana aiming to contribute positively to the nation, focusing on the welfare of women and children. Her commitment has led her to Parliament representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where her health expertise is invaluable for national development.
Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah exemplifies a remarkable journey from royal lineage and humble beginnings to significant achievements in medicine and politics. Her transition from a focus on humanities to a successful medical career reflects her resilience and dedication. As she actively works in Parliament, her expertise is expected to enhance the welfare of women and children in Ghana, showcasing her commitment to societal improvement.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
