Across Africa and the globe, women are making significant strides in science, technology, and academia, breaking through barriers and redefining the landscape of these fields. One such influential figure is Professor Marian Ewurama Addy, who made history as the first Ghanaian woman to attain the rank of full professor in natural science.
Professor Addy, a biochemist and visionary scholar, was born on February 7, 1942, in Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region of Ghana. She was the daughter of Samuel Joseph Cole and Angelina Kwofie Cole. From an early age, her intellectual curiosity and brilliance were apparent. She completed her secondary education at St Monica”s Secondary School in Mampong-Ashanti and Holy Child Girls” School in Cape Coast, where she earned both her “O” and “A” level certificates. These formative experiences fostered her love for learning and encouraged her to pursue paths less traveled by women of her time.
She continued her education at the University of Ghana, where she obtained her degree in botany. Subsequently, she pursued her master”s and doctorate degrees in biochemistry at Pennsylvania State University in the United States. Her academic trajectory exemplified her commitment to excellence and her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge that was both relevant and accessible.
As a lecturer and researcher, Professor Addy left an indelible mark at the University of Ghana and also at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she taught biochemistry to various students, including undergraduates and medical candidates. Her research primarily focused on the scientific evaluation of herbal medicine, investigating the safety, efficacy, and biochemical mechanisms behind traditional remedies utilized by local healers.
Through her work, she aimed to bridge the divide between traditional practices and modern scientific understanding, asserting that indigenous knowledge, when supported by rigorous research, holds tremendous potential for health and development.
Beyond her academic contributions, Professor Addy was a strong advocate for science communication and women”s empowerment. She devoted considerable time to mentoring young women and promoting STEM education throughout Ghana. Her national recognition grew when she became the inaugural Quiz Mistress of the National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ), a program that has gained immense popularity. Her poised presence on screen motivated countless young Ghanaians, particularly girls, to view science as both exciting and essential for national progress.
In acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to science education and outreach, Professor Addy was awarded the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science in 1999. That same year, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, a prestigious honor in the academic community. In 2008, she was appointed President of the Anglican University College of Technology, further enhancing her influence in advancing technical and higher education in Ghana.
Professor Marian Ewurama Addy passed away in Accra on January 14, 2014, but her legacy endures through the lives she impacted and the paths she paved for future generations. Her name is synonymous with excellence, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences has emphasized that “Her legacy serves as a potent reminder of the value of mentoring, representation, and ongoing funding for STEM education.” The influence of Professor Ewurama Addy continues to resonate, inspiring more Ghanaian and African women to ascend in the scientific arena.
Her story illustrates a powerful truth: when women are empowered to lead, they uplift entire generations.
