Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is a trailblazer in Ghanaian politics, being the first female MP for Essikado-Ketan. Highly accomplished in medicine, she returned to Ghana after her education and career abroad to improve women’s and children’s welfare. Her royal lineage and commitment to public service underscore her valuable role in Parliament.
Ghana’s Parliament boasts a vibrant representation of women, comprising around 15 percent of its 275 members. Among these distinguished individuals is Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the first female Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region. Her transition from a highly regarded medical career to a political role prompts reflections on the motivations behind such a significant change in her career path.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah holds multiple esteemed qualifications, including a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Furthermore, she possesses a Doctorate in Surgery from Providence Hospital and a Surgical Sub-Specialty from the University of California, San Diego. Her prior roles include serving as the Country Director of Project Hope and the Clinical Director of Sage Medical Centre.
Despite her royal lineage, Professor Ayensu-Danquah has remained focused on her aspiration to succeed in medicine and academia. She belongs to the Royal Amagina Abratia Abusua of the Essikado Kojokrom Paramountcy, with notable ancestry, as her mother and grandmother held positions as queen mothers. In her documentary, she reflects on her childhood, stating, “My mother was the little girl sitting in front of the palanquin with Nana Kwabena Nketia IV when he was being outdoored.”
Her journey into medicine was not a predetermined one; she initially pursued humanities subjects at Archbishop Porter’s Secondary School and later discovered her passion for science in the United States. Despite facing challenges such as harsh weather and discrimination, she accomplished extensive academic and professional training, spanning undergraduate studies, medical school, master’s studies, and surgical residency.
After achieving success abroad, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah returned to Ghana in 2013, aiming to enrich the country’s development, specifically focusing on women and children’s welfare. Her extensive experience in health aligns wonderfully with her role in Parliament with the National Democratic Congress, making her a valuable asset to the nation’s legislative framework.
In summary, Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s remarkable journey from the operating room to Parliament exemplifies a dedication to both medicine and public service. Her extensive medical qualifications and royal heritage inform her commitment to societal improvement, particularly for women and children in Ghana. As a pioneering female MP, she represents both the aspirations and challenges faced by women in leadership roles in Ghana. Her transition into politics not only enhances the representation of women in Parliament but additionally ensures that health issues receive the expertise necessary for effective legislation.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
