Susan Ofori-Atta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Ofori-Atta
DRCOG, DRCPCH, FGA
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| Born | 1917 Kyebi, Ghana
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| Died | July 1985 (aged 67–68) |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
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| Occupation | Physician |
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| Spouse(s) | E. V. C. de Graft-Johnson |
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| Awards | Royal Cross |
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| Institutions | University of Ghana Medical School |
Susan Barbara Gyankorama Ofori-Atta (also known as de Graft-Johnson) was a pioneering Ghanaian medical doctor. She was born in 1917 and passed away in July 1985. She made history as the first female doctor in the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana.
Susan Ofori-Atta was also the first Ghanaian woman to earn a university degree. She was the fourth West African woman to achieve this milestone. Later in her career, she became a medical officer at the Kumasi Hospital. She also led the Princess Louise Hospital for Women.
The University of Ghana honored her with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. This was for her important work on malnutrition in children. In 1980, Pope John Paul II gave her the Royal Cross. This award recognized her free medical services at her clinic. She also helped start the Women's Society for Public Affairs. Her achievements inspired many young women in Ghana to pursue careers in medicine.
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Early Life and Education
Susan Ofori-Atta was born in Kyebi, Gold Coast (now Ghana), in 1917. She came from the well-known Ofori-Atta royal family. Her father was Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, a powerful chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area. Her mother was Nana Akosua Duodu.
Susan started her schooling at St. Mary's Convent in Elmina around 1921. In 1929, she joined Achimota School for her secondary education. She was one of the first students when the school opened in 1927. In her final year, she was the Girls' School Prefect. She also took the Cambridge School Certificate exam.
After secondary school, she studied midwifery at Korle-Bu Midwifery Training School. She graduated in 1935. She then had more training in midwifery in Scotland. She worked as a midwife at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Later, she continued her studies at Edinburgh University Medical School. She earned her medical degree (MBChB) in 1947. Her father, Ofori Atta I, paid for her education abroad. He had set aside funds for her before he passed away in 1943.
Career and Advocacy
Susan Ofori-Atta began her career as a midwife. She then trained to become a pediatrician, a doctor for children. This made her the first female doctor in the Gold Coast. In 1960, she volunteered at a hospital in Congo that needed more staff.
While working at the Princess Marie Louise Hospital, people called her "mmofra doctor." This means "children's doctor" in the local language. She later joined the University of Ghana Medical School. There, she helped create the Paediatrics Department. After that, she opened her own private clinic, the Accra Clinic. She focused on providing medical care for women and children.
She was a strong supporter of women and children's rights. She spoke out against the Akan system of inheritance. This system often did not allow spouses and children to inherit from their deceased family members. Her efforts helped create the PNDC Intestate Succession Law in 1985. This law gave spouses and children the right to inherit. She was also part of the group that wrote Ghana's Constitution in 1969.
In 1974, the University of Ghana honored her. She received an honorary Doctor of Science degree. This was for her important research on childhood malnutrition. She even named a severe form of malnutrition "Kwashiorkor." This term is now used by doctors worldwide. She was also very active in the Catholic Church in Ghana.
Personal Life and Family
Susan Ofori-Atta was married to E. V. C. de Graft-Johnson. He was a lawyer in Accra. Her older brother was William Ofori-Atta, a well-known politician and lawyer. He was one of the leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). He was also one of "The Big Six," a group of activists. They were important in Ghana's fight for independence from British rule.
Her other brother was Kofi Asante Ofori-Atta. He served as a Minister in Kwame Nkrumah's government. He later became the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. Her younger sister was Adeline Akufo-Addo. She was the First Lady of Ghana during the Second Republic.
Death and Legacy
Susan Ofori-Atta passed away in July 1985 in the United Kingdom. She died of natural causes. To honor her, a girls' dormitory at her old school, Achimota School, was named after her.
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Susan Ofori-Atta
See also
In Spanish: Susan Ofori-Atta para niños
