From Operating Rooms to Parliament Chambers: The Story of Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah
Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is the first female MP for Essikado-Ketan in Ghana’s Parliament. With a distinguished background in medicine and academia, she transitioned into politics to enhance the welfare of women and children in Ghana. Her journey is marked by overcoming challenges and a deep commitment to societal improvement.
Ghana’s Parliament features numerous exceptional women, comprising approximately 15 percent of its 275 members, with 40 serving as female MPs. Among these remarkable individuals is Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, recognized as the first female Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region. Her transition from a successful medical career to political engagement raises questions given the frequent perceptions of politics being tumultuous and fraught with corruption.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah boasts an impressive educational background, including a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, a Doctorate in Surgery from Providence Hospital, and a Surgical Sub-Specialty from the University of California, San Diego. She has also held notable positions, such as Country Director of Project Hope, Clinical Director at Sage Medical Centre, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah, USA. Her captivating journey is illustrated in a recent documentary.
Background reveals that Prof. Ayensu-Danquah comes from a prestigious lineage. Although enjoying the privileges associated with royalty, she remained determined to pursue her aspirations in medicine and academia. She is connected to the Royal Amagina Abratia Abusua of the Essikado Kojokrom Paramountcy, with her lineage tracing back to former queen mothers. In the documentary, she articulates her heritage: “My mother was the little girl sitting in front of the palanquin with Nana Kwabena Nketia IV when he was being outdoored.”
Initially, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s academic pursuits did not align with the sciences. After completing her secondary education at Holy Child Secondary School, she transitioned to Archbishop Porter’s Secondary School, focusing on humanities subjects. Following her national service in Ghana, she moved to the United States, where she uncovered her passion for science and medicine. She overcame severe obstacles, including adverse weather and racial challenges, completing extensive education that encompassed undergraduate studies, medical school, master’s degrees, and a rigorous surgical residency. She describes her training 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.”
Upon concludes her medical education and extensive training, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah has become one of the globe’s most esteemed medical professionals. In 2013, with a desire to foster development in her homeland, she returned to Ghana, with a focus on enhancing the welfare of women and children. Her dedication to improving societal conditions has connected her to Parliament through the National Democratic Congress (NDC), leveraging her substantial health expertise as an asset for the nation.
In summary, Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s journey from the operating room to Parliament highlights the impactful amalgamation of her medical expertise and political aspirations. Her remarkable achievements in medicine and academia, coupled with her royal heritage and commitment to societal progress, make her an inspiring figure in Ghanaian politics. She continues to exemplify the invaluable contributions of women leaders in the country and serves as a beacon for future generations.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
