From Operating Rooms to Parliament Chambers: The Journey of Dr…

Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is Ghana’s first female MP for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency, recognized for her achievements in medicine and academia. With multiple advanced degrees and experience in leadership roles, she has transitioned from the medical field into politics, aiming to improve the welfare of women and children in Ghana.

Ghana’s Parliament comprises a remarkable cohort, including 40 female Members of Parliament (MPs), accounting for 15 percent of the 275-member assembly. Among them is Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the pioneering female MP representing the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region.

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah possesses an illustrious career in both medicine and academia, prompting curiosity about her foray into politics, a realm often associated with corruption. She is an accomplished professional, holding multiple prestigious degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

Her extensive background includes roles such as Country Director of Project Hope, Clinical Director of Sage Medical Centre, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah. Further insights into her remarkable journey are shared in a documentary featuring her life and career.

Interestingly, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s royal descent is not widely known. Despite her royal lineage, she remained committed to her aspiration of becoming a medical professional, belonging to the Royal Amagina Abratia Abusua of the Essikado Kojokrom Paramountcy, with her mother and grandmother both having been queen mothers.

Initially, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah did not envision a career in medicine. After completing her secondary education, where she focused on humanities, she served her national duty before traveling to the United States, where her fervor for science blossomed. She successfully navigated the challenging paths of undergraduate studies, medical school, and surgical residency in the US despite encountering adversity, including harsh conditions and racism.

In 2013, after achieving success abroad, she returned to Ghana, dedicated to enhancing societal welfare, particularly concerning women and children. This commitment led her to enter Parliament as a member of the National Democratic Congress, where her medical expertise serves as an invaluable resource for the country’s progress.

Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s journey from a royal background to becoming the first female MP for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency illustrates her dedication to medicine and public service. Her extensive educational qualifications and professional experience establish her as a significant figure in both the medical field and Ghanaian politics. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s return to Ghana signifies her commitment to societal improvement, particularly for women and children, making her a vital asset in Parliament.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com