From Operating Rooms to Parliament: Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah’s Journey

Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah serves as the first female Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan and is a prominent figure in both medicine and education. With impressive credentials and a commitment to public service, she transitioned from a successful medical career to politics to enhance community welfare, particularly for women and children in Ghana.

Ghana’s Parliament is recognized for housing many exceptional women, currently comprising approximately 15 percent of its 275 members. Among them is Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who proudly holds the title of the first female Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region.

In addition to her political role, Ayensu-Danquah has excelled in both medicine and academia. Her transition into politics raises questions, particularly regarding the allure of a field often fraught with challenges, including public perception of corruption. Nevertheless, her accomplishments highlight her commitment to public service.

Professor Ayensu-Danquah’s impressive educational background includes a Doctor of Medicine degree 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, and a Doctorate in Surgery from Providence Hospital, in addition to a Surgical Sub-Specialty from the University of California, San Diego.

Previously, she held influential roles such as the Country Director of Project Hope and Clinical Director of Sage Medical Centre, alongside her tenure as a Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah.

A video documentary featuring the MP offers viewers an intriguing perspective into her remarkable journey, shedding light on her life story.

Interestingly, Ayensu-Danquah comes from a royal heritage, yet this background has never curtailed her ambition to pursue a medical career with excellence. She is associated with the Royal Amagina Abratia Abusua of the Essikado Kojokrom Paramountcy, and is proud of her familial lineage, which includes a mother who was the firstborn of a former queen mother.

In her own words, Ayensu-Danquah shared, “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 did not plan to enter the field of science or medicine. After completing her A-levels at Holy Child Secondary School and pursuing humanities at Archbishop Porter’s Secondary School, she decided to travel to the United States, where she discovered her passion for the sciences.

Despite encountering significant obstacles, including harsh weather and racism, she persevered to complete four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, two years of master’s programs, and five years of surgical residency, which she described as “very, very difficult because it’s like you are being hammered for five years.”

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s returns to Ghana in 2013 were motivated by a desire to contribute to her nation’s progress, particularly in advancing the welfare of women and children. This sense of dedication and expertise has led her into Parliament under the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), where she is viewed as a vital asset to the country’s health policies.

Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah exemplifies the extraordinary capabilities women bring to political roles in Ghanaian Parliament. Her transition from a distinguished medical career to politics underscores her commitment to social advancement, particularly in healthcare for women and children. Her journey highlights the potential women have to effect change within governance, standing as an inspiration to many in positions of leadership.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com