N※N

Meet Prof Marian Ewurama Addy: Ghana's first female professor of natural science

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-first-female-professor-of-natural-science.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 9:15 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-25 157 x 224 / 11924 Bytes

2025-10-25 275 x 183 / 6646 Bytes

2025-10-25 259 x 194 / 8668 Bytes

2025-10-25 225 x 224 / 9705 Bytes

Prof. Marian Ewurama Addy: Ghana’s Trailblazing First Female Professor of Natural Science

Prof. Marian Ewurama Addy stands as a towering figure in Ghanaian science, celebrated for breaking gender barriers and shaping the nation’s research landscape. Her journey from a curious student in Accra to the first woman to earn a professorship in natural sciences at the University of Ghana is a story of perseverance, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing future generations of scientists.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Born on 4 March 1940 in Accra, Marian grew up in an era when opportunities for girls in the sciences were scarce. She attended the prestigious Mfantsipim School before moving on to the University of Ghana, where she earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1965. Her fascination with the molecular world spurred her to pursue graduate studies abroad. She completed a Master’s at the University of Cape Town and later earned her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh in 1983, a notable achievement that set the stage for her illustrious career.

Academic Career and Research Milestones

Upon returning to Ghana, Prof. Addy joined the University of Ghana’s Department of Chemistry. Her tenure there was marked by a steady rise through academic ranks, culminating in her historic appointment as the university’s first female professor of natural science in 1998. Her research has predominantly focused on photochemical oxidation processes, the development of new synthetic routes for organic compounds, and the application of spectroscopy to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Over the past four decades, she has authored more than 80 peer‑reviewed articles, many of which have been cited extensively by chemists worldwide.

Beyond her research, Prof. Addy has played a pivotal role in institutional development. She was instrumental in establishing the Centre for Applied Chemistry at the university, creating a hub that combines basic research with industry‑relevant projects. She has also served as the head of the Department of Chemistry, during which time she modernized laboratory facilities and introduced contemporary curricula that better reflect global scientific trends.

Advocacy, Mentorship, and Women in Science

Prof. Addy’s impact extends far beyond laboratory walls. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in STEM, actively mentoring thousands of students, especially women. She founded the Women in STEM Initiative at the University of Ghana, organizing workshops, networking events, and scholarship programs to encourage girls to pursue scientific careers. Her mentorship has yielded a generation of Ghanaian scientists who attribute their confidence and curiosity to her guidance.

In addition to her university commitments, Prof. Addy has served on several national committees. She was a member of the Ghana National Commission for Science and Technology, contributing to policy formulation that has guided the country’s research funding strategies. She also sat on the board of the Ghana Academy of Sciences, where she championed the inclusion of more diverse voices in scientific decision‑making.

Recognitions and Honors

The magnitude of Prof. Addy’s contributions has been recognized by both national and international bodies. She has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, the Order of the Star of Ghana, and the Ghana Women in Science Award. In 2012, the Royal Society of Chemistry elected her as a Fellow in acknowledgment of her outstanding scientific achievements and service to the chemistry community. She also delivered keynote addresses at the African Women in Science Conference (2016) and the World Chemistry Congress (2019), inspiring audiences across the continent.

A 2020 feature on GhanaWeb celebrated her career and highlighted her role as a role model for aspiring scientists. The article linked to the Ghana Academy of Sciences’ profile on Prof. Addy, which detailed her numerous publications, her research grants from the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and her leadership roles in shaping Ghana’s science policy.

Legacy and Future Directions

Prof. Marian Ewurama Addy’s legacy is twofold: she has expanded the horizons of chemical research in Ghana and has paved the way for women in science. Her continued involvement in outreach programmes ensures that her influence will persist. In recent years, she has focused on interdisciplinary projects that combine chemistry with environmental science, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for Ghana’s growing ecological challenges.

As Ghana moves toward a knowledge‑based economy, figures like Prof. Addy remain essential. Her blend of scientific excellence, visionary leadership, and relentless advocacy for gender equity provides a blueprint for the next generation of scholars. In an era where science can no longer be viewed as a domain for the few, her story reminds us that talent, when coupled with opportunity, can transform entire nations.