Benjamin Quartey-Papafio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio
MRCS (Lond)
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Quartey-Papafio, c. 1878 – c. 1894
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Benjamin William Quarteyquaye Quartey-Papafio
25 June 1859 |
| Died | 14 September 1924 (aged 65) |
| Nationality | British subject |
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Benjamin William Quarteyquaye Quartey-Papafio (born June 25, 1859 – died September 14, 1924) was a very important doctor and politician in the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is now known as Ghana. He was the first Ghanaian to earn a medical degree and practice modern medicine. He also became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in London, which is a special title for doctors.
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Early Life and Education
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio was born in Accra into a well-known family. His father was Chief William Quartey-Papafio, also called Nii Kwatei-Kojo. His mother, Momo Omedru, was a successful businesswoman.
Benjamin went to school at the CMS Grammar School and Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Later, he traveled to Britain to continue his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Durham University.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1882, Benjamin began studying medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College. He soon moved to Edinburgh University. He worked hard and graduated in 1886 with degrees in medicine and surgery. He also became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
In 1896, he earned an advanced medical degree, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). For this, he wrote a detailed paper about a serious illness called "Malarial haemoglobinuric fever." This fever was also known as "Blackwater Fever" and was common in the Gold Coast.
A Pioneer Doctor in the Gold Coast
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio was the first African from the Gold Coast to get a medical degree. He was also the first to return and work as a modern-trained doctor in his home country.
From 1888 to 1905, he worked as a medical officer for the Gold Coast Government. Even though he was very skilled, he was not given promotions to higher ranks. This did not stop him. He decided to open his own private medical practice in Accra. Above his door, he put the Twi phrase "Domi Abra," which means "If you love me, come."
His Family's Legacy
Benjamin came from a family that valued education and public service. His brother, Arthur Boi Quartey-Papafio, became a lawyer. Arthur wrote about Accra's history and local laws. He also helped start the National Congress of British West Africa. Other family members also became successful lawyers and teachers, showing a strong tradition of leadership.
Public Service and Later Life
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio was also active in politics. He served on the Accra Town Council from 1909 to 1912. In 1911, he was part of a group that went to London to protest a new law called the Forest Bill. This bill affected how land was used in the Gold Coast.
From 1919 to 1924, he was a member of the Legislative Council. This council helped make laws for the Gold Coast. He was a dedicated member of the Anglican church.
His Children and Their Contributions
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio had several children who also achieved great things. His son and five daughters were educated in Britain. Three of his daughters, Mercy, Ruby, and Grace, became teachers in the Gold Coast. His son, Percy, also trained as a doctor but was unable to finish his education due to failing eyesight caused by cataracts.
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio was one of the important people who helped establish Achimota College. This college became a very famous school in Ghana. His daughter, Ruby, became a respected economist and the first African Headmistress at Accra Government school. She was Board Chair at both Accra Girls Secondary and Ghana International School. His daughter, Mercy, was the first Ghanaian headmistress at Cape Coast Government Girls School. She also helped Kwame Nkrumah and others in their efforts to gain independence for Ghana. Mercy's daughter, Nana Ffoulkes Crabbe-Johnson, continued the family's medical tradition. She became a leading doctor and professor in her field.
Benjamin Quartey-Papafio passed away on September 14, 1924, in Accra. He is remembered as a true pioneer who helped bring modern medicine and strong leadership to the Gold Coast.
