Three esteemed Fellows of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Academia, Research, and Governance at the 10th Ghana Women of Excellence Awards and Gala Dinner. The prestigious event, held on March 7, 2025, in Accra, celebrated remarkable women driving national development and marked International Women’s Day.
GAAS proudly acknowledges the accomplishments of its distinguished honorees:
- Emerita Professor Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi (FGA) – A globally acclaimed research scientist, Prof. Quakyi has made groundbreaking contributions to immunology and infectious disease research, significantly impacting global health and advancing scientific progress in Ghana.
- Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf (FGA) – A distinguished scholar in geography and environmental studies, Prof. Ardayfio-Schandorf has influenced sustainable development policies and championed research on gender and environmental interactions.
- Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu (FGA) – The first female Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Prof. Yeboah-Manu has made significant strides in biomedical research, particularly in tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, advancing health solutions in Ghana and beyond.
Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (FGA) who chaired the event, emphasized the need for collective efforts in supporting women’s empowerment:
“Empowering women is not a threat to society but a benefit for all. We must all contribute to supporting women-led initiatives and advocating for women’s rights.”
She highlighted the necessity of systemic changes to dismantle barriers limiting women’s progress in education, leadership, and economic opportunities:
“It is not enough to celebrate individual successes; we must build systems that uplift more women and remove the barriers that hinder their progress.”
GAAS continues to lead efforts in promoting women’s participation in national development by fostering academic excellence, supporting groundbreaking research, and advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities for women across all sectors.
As part of its mission, the Academy recognizes the achievements of its members and collaborates with stakeholders to advance gender equity in academia, science, and governance. The recognition of Emerita Prof. Quakyi, Emerita Prof. Ardayfio-Schandorf, and Prof. Yeboah-Manu underscores the Academy’s dedication to fostering excellence and empowering future generations.
Organized by Top Brass Ghana, the Ghana Women of Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding Ghanaian women excelling in diverse fields, including academia, healthcare, finance, law, engineering, and business. Since its inception in 2011, the awards have served as a platform to inspire and motivate women to strive for excellence.
At this year’s ceremony, 22 exceptional Ghanaian women were honoured for their contributions to national development. Commending the awardees, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang remarked:
“Your contributions reaffirm the truth that when women rise, nations rise.”
As Ghana continues its journey toward sustainable development, the Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to recognizing, supporting, and promoting the contributions of women in shaping the nation’s future.
