Profile
Dr Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway
In a historic milestone for the University of Ghana, Dr Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway has become the first woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana.
Dr Botchway’s journey from the village of Akaa Buem in the Oti region to becoming the first female to earn a PhD in Mathematics is a demonstration of her resilience and determination.
Born into a family of four, she is the second child of her parents. When her family moved to Accra for her mother’s education, they faced significant hardships, living with an aunt who struggled to make an ends meet while living in a crowded compound where the challenges of life were evident.
Her childhood years were not without challenges. At just seven years old, Dr Botchway began hawking goods to help make ends meet.
Her school life was equally challenging. While her classmates brought a variety of foods to school, Dr Botchway often packed leftover banku, which she and her brother would hide to avoid teasing.
After four years in Accra, the family moved to Asamankese, where she attended Life Preparatory School. Following another move to Winneba, she continued her education at University Primary on North Campus.
Her experiences in Accra were marked by crime and instability, where gunshots from nearby gang members and police conflicts were a common occurrence.
Despite these hardships, Dr Botchway’s determination never declined. She completed her basic education wearing the same uniform from class four through to Junior High School, as financial constraints made it impossible to buy new clothes.
Transitioning to secondary school at Accra Girls, Gloria initially focused on Business subjects but soon discovered her true passion for
Mathematics. “I’ve always loved. Maths – It challenges me, and I wanted to be in a field where few people ventured,” she said.
Her secondary school math teacher recognised her potential and urged her to pursue a career in academia. “He just told me that, Gloria, you have to be a Lecturer,” she remembers. This encouragement, coupled with her innate love for the subject, set Dr Botchway on a path that would ultimately lead her to make history.
It was this passion that led her to the University of Ghana, where she not only excelled academically but also forged a path for future generations of female mathematicians. When she began her studies at the University of Ghana, she initially opted for a Business Administration course but quickly chose Mathematics.
Inspired by mentors like Prof. Elsie Kaufmann and Dr Adu Gyamfi, who advised her on the advantages of a mathematics degree, she ultimately committed to the subject. “I wanted a challenging field where few people ventured,” she explained. “I realised that with a Math degree, I could still pursue Accounting if I wanted”, she added.
As she progressed through her undergraduate and graduate studies, she faced numerous challenges, both academic and personal. “Math is challenging. It’s not easy,” she admits. “But if you love it, you would do it.”
One of the most significant challenges was the lack of female role models in her field. “People do not expect that you would go on with the Math,” Gloria explains. “Sometimes they were very discouraging.” However, these doubts only fueled her determination to succeed.
In an interview with Dr Botchway’s colleague, Justine Johnson, he described her as a dedicated and ambitious individual who is practical and determined.
He mentioned her leadership skills and how she helped set up a Maths study group, which helped him become proficient in Math. He also praised her determination, stating that “nothing is impossible, and she always strives to solve problems.”
Balancing her academic pursuits with her personal life presented another set of challenges. Dr Botchway got married during her Master’s programme and had two children before graduation.
She went on to have two more children during her PhD studies. “Life has to go on,” she says, crediting her supportive husband and family for helping her manage her multiple roles.
In 2024, Dr Botchway’s perseverance paid off when she became the first woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana. This achievement is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for gender representation in STEM fields in Ghana.
Now with her PhD, she is focused on making a lasting impact in her field and inspiring the next generation of female Mathematicians. Dr Botchway is involved in a project called “Enhancing M in STEM,” which aims to improve Mathematics education for girls in secondary schools.
Professor Deborah Atobrah, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) at the University of Ghana, underscores the importance of Gloria’s achievement. “This is a very big achievement. It’s a huge feat in gender work for STEM. However, you know, we think this has taken too long for us to get here. But nevertheless, we still celebrate this very important achievement”, she stated.
Speaking to the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Dr Chisara Peace Ogbogbo, she showered praises on Dr Botchway and applauded her work ethic.
Through her academic journey, Dr Botchway has shown determination and persistence, setting the stage for her groundbreaking achievement. Her story is one of perseverance, representing the spirit of a woman who rose above her circumstances to achieve groundbreaking success.
Dr Botchway in her appreciation remarks thanks God for seeing her through it all. She also acknowledged her supervisor, Professor Anthony Yaw Aidoo of Eastern Connecticut State University, for being supportive throughout her PhD journey.
She extended appreciation to her Department and the University of Ghana for providing an enabling environment with waived fees.
She also acknowledged Dr Twum, Professor Seba and Dr Ogbogbo, for being instrumental in the journey. Carnegie Corporation, through Professor Yaa Ntimoa-Baidu, supported her through the Carnegie Next Generation of Academics, Africa and Banga project. Dr Botchway also thanked their family, especially her mother, Madam Margaret Aduam and her husband for their encouragement. She also thanked her friends for their selfless support throughout their journey.
As Ghana strives to increase female participation in STEM fields, stories like Dr Botchway’s serve as both inspiration and a call to action. Her journey from the market stalls of Teshie to the lecture halls of the University of Ghana demonstrates that with determination, support and access to education barriers can be broken and new paths created. -ug.edu.gh
Profile
Prisca Abah: Ghana’s modelling powerhouse
Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, who is known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.
She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.
The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine and royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.
The Big8 concept, produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.
The Big8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modelling industry, crowning eight of them with the ‘Top Model’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.
“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.
Abah’s early life and career
Prisca Abah began her modelling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5-Star International Modelling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.
From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway.
During this period, she received accolades, including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.
International recognition and pageantry
In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.
Philanthropy
Abah founded the Palins Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.
Awards and collaborations
In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.
Legacy
Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
