Ghana Mourns the Loss of Dr. Thomas O. Mensah, Fiber Optics Pioneer
The family of Dr. Thomas O. Mensah, a renowned Ghanaian-American chemical engineer and inventor, has announced plans to hold a burial and funeral rites program on May 31, 2025, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus. The family is seeking support from the government of Ghana and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to give Dr. Mensah a befitting burial, honoring his contributions to Ghana’s development and the global technological advancements.
Dr. Mensah, who passed away on March 27, 2024, at the age of 74, was a trailblazer in fiber optics technology, revolutionizing the way the world communicates. His innovations have had a profound impact on the telecommunications industry, with companies worldwide benefiting from his work. The family is calling on the government of Ghana, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to use the funeral platform to address the nation and acknowledge Dr. Mensah’s remarkable achievements.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Mensah received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to science and technology. He was a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and held 14 patents in his name. Dr. Mensah’s work has been celebrated globally, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The family and friends of Dr. Mensah are also seeking a state burial platform, which would be a fitting tribute to his remarkable life and achievements. They have requested the government’s assistance in retrieving losses and have invited US government officials, the diaspora, and the technology community to participate in the funeral rites.
As Ghana prepares to bid farewell to this national hero, the nation remembers Dr. Thomas O. Mensah’s remarkable contributions to science, technology, and innovation. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields, ensuring that his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.
