Mahama taps US-trained surgeon as Deputy Health Minister: Prof. Ayensu-Danquah brings decades of international expertise to healthcare role
President John Dramani Mahama last week nominated the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, as Deputy Minister for 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, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh to prosecute President Mahama’s bold vision for the health sector.
*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 licenses 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 healthcare through her Healing Hands Organization. The non-governmental medical organization 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.
*Expectations*
Her appointment is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry of Health’s capacity in formulating and implementing critical national health policies, particularly given her specialized certification in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management.
For many governance experts, President Mahama’s nomination of Prof. Ayensu-Danquah underscores his administration’s strategy of leveraging accomplished professionals’ expertise to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and improve public health outcomes nationwide.
