Who is Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the US trained surgeon and MP for Essikado-Ketan who has been nominated as Deputy Health Minister
President John Dramani Mahama last week nominated the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, as Deputy Minister of Health, continuing his administration's commitment to appointing seasoned professionals to key positions.
The appointment brings Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s significant medical expertise to the Ministry of Health, at a time when health has become central to the President’s administration following the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust, christened ‘Mahama Cares’.
The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament’s (MP) is expected to complement the astute Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to prosecute President Mahama’s bold vision for the health centre.
Stellar credentials
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s impressive credentials span clinical practice, academia and public health across two continents.
A first-time MP, she is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in trauma, burns, and reconstructive surgery.
She also holds medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Southern California, along with a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, all in the United States of America.
The Essikado-Ketan lawmaker currently maintains active medical licences in California, Michigan and Maryland in the United States. She also operates a private surgical facility in Accra and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah's Center for Global Surgery.
Humanitarian impact
Beyond her impressive clinical work, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah has made substantial contributions to Ghana's health care through her Healing Hands Organisation.
The non-governmental medical organisation provides free surgical and medical care to underserved communities and donates essential medical equipment to rural health facilities.
Her commitment to public health governance is evident through her service on the Technical Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines and Biological Products of Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority, and her role as a board member of Days for Girls International Ghana.
Professional recognition
The distinguished surgeon is a fellow of multiple prestigious medical colleges, including the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons, and the West African College of Surgeons.
