Health Ministry Gets Expertise Upgrade With Appointment of Prof. Ayensu-Danquah

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, as Deputy Minister for Health – an appointment that reinforces his administration’s commitment to drawing on world-class expertise to transform Ghana’s health sector.

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah joins the health ministry leadership team at a pivotal time, as the government rolls out the Ghana Medical Trust, also known as MahamaCares – a bold initiative placing healthcare at the centre of national development. She is expected to work closely with the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, in advancing President Mahama’s vision for a modern, inclusive and efficient healthcare system.

A Surgeon with Global Credentials

A first-time MP, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah brings decades of experience in clinical practice, public health and medical education across both Ghana and the United States. She is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in trauma, burns and reconstructive surgery.

Her academic journey includes medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Public Health from the globally renowned Johns Hopkins University.

Currently, she holds active medical licenses in California, Michigan, and Maryland, and operates a private surgical centre in Accra. In addition, she serves as an adjunct professor of surgery at the University of Utah’s Center for Global Surgery – further testament to her active global engagement in healthcare delivery and training.

Champion of Humanitarian Healthcare

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s impact extends well beyond the operating theatre. Through her NGO, Healing Hands Organisation, she has delivered free surgical and medical care to underserved communities across Ghana while also donating vital equipment to rural health facilities.

Her commitment to healthcare equity has earned her a place on Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority’s Technical Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines and Biological Products. She also sits on the board of Days for Girls International Ghana, advocating for menstrual health and hygiene among girls and women.

Recognised Excellence

Her professional affiliations read like a roll call of the world’s most respected medical bodies. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah is a Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons, and the West African College of Surgeons.

She also holds a specialized certification in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management – credentials expected to play a key role in shaping health policy and emergency preparedness in Ghana.

Raising the Bar in Public Health Leadership

Governance and Health experts alike view her appointment as a strategic move by President Mahama to inject professional excellence into public service. With her wealth of global and local experience, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah is well-positioned to help elevate the Ministry of Health’s capacity to craft and implement transformative policies.

As Ghana seeks to build a resilient and responsive health system, the addition of Prof. Ayensu-Danquah to the health leadership team signals a renewed focus on innovation, inclusion and results in healthcare delivery.

Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/Joseph Ziem

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