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Sitting at the ‘table of scholars’ …exceptional story of Dr. Mrs. Wilhelmina Annie Mensah
As efforts intensify to correct norms and stereotypes that inhibit girls’ participation in science, more tenacious women continue to prove their mettle in the sciences being considered the preserve of men.
Dr. Mrs. Wilhelmina Annie Mensah, is one of Ghana’s young female scientists, who have over the years stuck to her vision of “sitting at the table of scholars” despite setbacks.
At 35, she has specialised in Nutrigenomics and Nutraceuticals/Bioceuticals (the science of using food as medicine as it relates to our genes/genome) and aims to make further inroads in her field of specialisation.
The Spectator recently interacted with the Researcher and Lecturer on aspects of her academic and professional journey as she encourages girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to the highest level.
Having obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in February this year, she describes the past six years of her life as “a great learning phase” and attributes her feat to providence, perseverance and the role of a “solid support system.”
Interest
Dr. Mensah recalled her interest in science was kindled at St. Andrew Junior High School at Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region after she was selected to represent her district at a STEM clinic for girls as well as a candidate in the National Kiddie quiz competitions.
Young as she was, she had won an award for taking up a school project to transform shea butter into a deodorised and ‘user-friendly’ product with mentorship from Prof. Williams Ofosu, current Head of Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana.
She said that her affection for the discipline, she grew further at St Louis Senior High School, where she studied General Science and featured in the National Maths and Science quiz competitions as a contestant.
After high school, she opted for Bachelor of Science (BSc) Biochemistry at KNUST which she loved to do because of the diverse areas the course could be applied.
“I loved Biology and Chemistry and came top in my class in high school on many occasions so I knew I had to do something relating to these subjects.
“My tutor [in high school] had explained what Biochemistry was all about and because I wanted to work in industry, I thought I needed a course that would help me get there,” she said.
Further studies
At KNUST, Dr. Mensah participated in several trade and technology exhibitions organised by her department and later became chair of the Organising Committee in her final year and was subsequently appointed a Teaching Assistant.
During her undergraduate studies, she again took up short Diploma Courses in Marketing and Customer Service to properly position herself for future endeavours.
Nonetheless, she admitted that the desire to pursue a Master of Philosophy (Mphil) in Clinical/Nutritional Biochemistry was nearly impossible, but for the financial intervention of Prof. Victoria Dzogberfia of the KNUST Biochemistry Department who absorbed her fees.
By dint of hard work, she was employed as a Research Assistant at KNUST and continued to develop her teaching skills before securing another teaching position at Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School, where she spent about four years teaching General Science and Biology.
In 2015, she gained employment as a lecturer at the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry where she had served for the past seven years. In the same year, Dr Mensah was offered a Fellowship by the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogen (WACCBIP), Legon.
Reaching the peak of the educational ladder, she noted, came with financial hurdles, sacrifices and commitment as she had to juggle family duties with research and academic work.
All the same, she praised WACCBIP for funding her research and studies as well as a host of mentors who made her dream of becoming a scientist come true, especially, Dr. Jonathan Adjimani of WACCBIP and the Department of Biochemistry who stirred her interest in Nutraceuticals.
Research
Dr Mensah is interested in Nutrigenomics and Nutraceuticals (substances that are used as food but bring about improvement in the quality of life and health).
In her PhD research, she sought to find particles in food that could be used in the treatment of tuberculosis and discovered that a compound found in the spice known as ‘rosemary’ could prevent the growth of the organism which causes tuberculosis.
Soon to be certified as Lactation Consultant, she is again on another journey of discovery that could most likely impact the lives of women positively.
“Now, my focus is discovering particles in food that can be used to enhance lactation in females as well as heal diseases that are related to the breast,” she said.
Explaining the essence of healthy nutrition in the general wellbeing of humans, she emphasised her commitment to impacting students with her in-depth scientific expertise.
The mother of three advises women to set clear and achievable goals. “Until you get there, you have to keep pushing. If you do not have any goal, you may have the perseverance but it would be like you are reaching out for nothing,” she said.
She insists that girls must not give up on science-related programmes as their determination would eventually pay off. “Build networks and don’t burn bridges,” she stressed.
Other Engagement
Dr Mensah is an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer at Hearty Nutrition Africa, an entity that deals in lactation and breastfeeding products. She again runs ‘Kyemen Baby Online’, a fast growing online shop that deals in baby and mothercare products with a showroom at Adentan Frafraha with over 20 employees.
She is a member of Sasaabi Baptist Church where she runs a Good News Club for the children in the community. “There, I gather the children, feed them and then teach them to read the Bible,” she said.
She is married to Rev Amoako Kyei-Mensah to whom she is most grateful as well as other well-meaning individuals for “contributing significantly” to her educational journey.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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.
Profile
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere …A visionary leader who triumphs through adversity
DR. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South Constituency, is a trailblazing leader whose journey to political prominence is as inspiring as his contributions to health and education.
A man of resilience, intellect, and service, Dr. Beyere’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination and commitment over adversity.
A Multifaceted Leader with Transformative Achievements
Dr. Beyere’s professional and academic accomplishments are vast and impactful. He is a PhD holder in Global Health from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, where his research on motivation policies for Ghanaian health workers reshaped staff development strategies.
A man of interdisciplinary expertise, he also holds an MSc in International Health from Brandeis University, an MA in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a BSc in Information Technology from Methodist University.
His academic journey culminated with an LLB from the University College of Science, Arts, and Education, the Gambia Law School, Banjul, making him a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, called to the Bar in November 2024.
Dr. Beyere’s work in the health sector has transformed Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
As Executive Secretary of the Health Training Institutions Secretariat, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including upgrading post-basic programs to degree and master’s levels, introducing male midwifery training, and establishing the “Best Health Tutor Award” to motivate educators.
His efforts also led to the construction of a 75-bedroom guesthouse for principals of nursing training schools, showcasing his dedication to improving infrastructure and capacity for education.
In his role as Vice President of the University College of Science, Arts, and Education in Sunyani, Dr. Beyere has continued to champion educational innovation, ensuring that academic and non-academic functions align with the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders.
The Political Journey: Resilience and Triumph
Dr. Beyere’s political career has been marked by both challenges and victories. In the 2020 parliamentary election, his initial bid to represent Techiman South faced fierce resistance.
The election was fraught with controversy, culminating in a narrow defeat to Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 49,682 votes against Dr. Beyere’s 49,205. The results were contested, leading to a protracted court case that added to the emotional toll of the loss.
However, Dr. Beyere’s resilience never wavered. With renewed vigor, he returned to the political arena in 2024, determined to serve his people. This time, he secured a decisive victory, polling 44,986 votes across 282 polling stations, surpassing his perennial opponent, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, who garnered 43,730 votes.
His triumph was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Techiman South, who recognized his vision and trusted his leadership.
A Leader of Compassion and Vision
Dr. Beyere’s political success is rooted in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. During his time at the Gambia Law School in Banjul, he was beloved by his colleagues for his humility and sense of camaraderie. These qualities have endeared him to his constituents, who see in him a leader committed to their welfare.
Beyond his political and professional achievements, Dr. Beyere has consistently demonstrated a passion for empowering others. His initiatives in education and healthcare, coupled with his international collaborations, underscore his dedication to creating opportunities and driving sustainable development.
A Future of Hope and Progress
As he takes his place in Parliament, Dr. Beyere is poised to bring transformative leadership to Techiman South. His vision for the constituency includes advancing healthcare, education, and infrastructural development while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among his people.
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere’s journey—from overcoming electoral challenges to becoming a symbol of hope and progress—is a shining example of what perseverance and dedication can achieve. With his wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, he stands ready to champion the aspirations of his constituents and contribute to Ghana’s growth.
