Honouring Dr. Susan Ofori-Atta: Ghana’s First Female Physician

As Ghana joins the global community to mark International Women’s Day, Turning Point Foundation honours the life and legacy of a remarkable trailblazer whose courage and commitment reshaped opportunities for women in medicine and public service. Dr. Susan Barbara Gyankorama Ofori-Atta was the first female physician in the Gold Coast, now Ghana, and among the earliest West African women to earn a university degree.

Born in Kyebi in 1917 to Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Susan Ofori-Atta showed academic promise from an early age. She received her early education in Ghana before enrolling at Achimota School, where she distinguished herself as an outstanding student and served as girls’ prefect. After qualifying in midwifery at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, she went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1947.

Upon her return to Ghana, Dr. Ofori-Atta dedicated her career to improving child health. She specialised in paediatrics and served as a medical officer in Accra and Kumasi. At the Princess Marie Louise Hospital for Women and Children, her compassion and commitment earned her the affectionate title “mmofra doctor”, a reflection of the trust and admiration she inspired among families. She later became a founding member of the Paediatrics Department at the University of Ghana Medical School, playing a key role in training future generations of doctors.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Ofori-Atta made lasting contributions to public health and social development. Her research into childhood malnutrition helped draw attention to kwashiorkor at a time when the condition was poorly understood. In recognition of her pioneering work, the University of Ghana awarded her an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1974.

She was also a strong advocate for women’s and children’s rights. By challenging discriminatory inheritance practices under the Akan system, she helped advance reforms that eventually informed the PNDC Intestate Succession Law of 1985, protecting the rights of spouses and children when a family member dies without a will.

Dr. Ofori-Atta’s lifelong service did not go unnoticed. In 1980, she received the Royal Cross from Pope John Paul II during his visit to Ghana, in recognition of her dedication to healthcare and her service to the underprivileged.

Although she passed away in the United Kingdom in July 1985, her legacy continues to inspire. Achimota School’s girls’ house, named in her honour, stands as a reminder of the power of education, perseverance, and leadership.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Dr. Susan Ofori-Atta’s life serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead, serve, and shape society. Her story aligns deeply with Turning Point Foundation’s commitment to equity, empowerment, and social transformation, and continues to inspire efforts to build a more just and inclusive future for all.

|International Women’s Day: Turning Point Foundation|