President John Dramani Mahama last week nominated the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, as Deputy Minister for Health—continuing his administration’s commitment to appointing seasoned professionals to key positions.

The appointment brings Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s extensive medical expertise to the Ministry of Health at a time when healthcare has taken center stage in the Mahama administration following the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust, christened Mahama Cares.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker is expected to complement the work of the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, in prosecuting President Mahama’s bold vision for the sector.

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s impressive credentials span clinical practice, academia, and public health across two continents.

A first-time MP, she is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in trauma, burns, and reconstructive surgery. She holds medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University—all in the United States of America.

The Essikado-Ketan legislator currently holds active medical licenses in California, Michigan, and Maryland in the United States. She also operates a private surgical facility in Accra and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah’s Center for Global Surgery.

Beyond her clinical work, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah has made substantial contributions to healthcare in Ghana through her non-profit, Healing Hands Organization. The NGO provides free surgical and medical care to underserved communities and donates critical medical equipment to rural health facilities.

Her commitment to public health governance is further reflected in her service on the Technical Advisory Committee on the Safety of Vaccines and Biological Products of the Food and Drugs Authority, as well as her board membership with Days for Girls International Ghana.

The distinguished surgeon is a fellow of several prestigious medical colleges, including the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons, and the West African College of Surgeons.

Her appointment is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry of Health’s capacity in formulating and implementing critical national health policies, particularly given her specialized certification in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management.

For many governance experts, President Mahama’s nomination of Prof. Ayensu-Danquah underscores his strategy of leveraging the expertise of accomplished professionals to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and improve public health outcomes nationwide.

Shell submits offer to join Ghana’s Pecan Oil Field project