The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, recently explained and defended her use of the professorship title.
During her appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for her vetting in July 2025, Dr Ayensu-Danquah stated that she holds the title of Professor of Surgery from the University of Utah in the United States.
Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah does not hold the title of ‘professor’ in any capacity – GTEC
According to her, the American system under which she earned the title differs significantly from the Ghanaian system, particularly within the medical field.
This was after she was asked by the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin to draw a distinction with the Ghanaian academic system, where a PhD typically precedes an Associate Professor rank, followed by a full Professorship, often requiring extensive publications and research.
He asked her to clarify the jurisdiction where she earned the title and whether she held a document from a certified body confirming the conferment, as is customary in Ghana.
“… The American system is completely different from the Ghana system,” she said.
She stated that her name appears as a professor on the records of the American College of Surgeons and that she is also a board-certified surgeon in the United States.
“… I am a professor of surgery at the University of Utah; I am a professor of global surgery by the American College of Surgeons and American Board of Surgery. I have worked in teaching for the last 15 years. American College of Surgeons has my name as a professor, Ayensu-Danquah. I am a board-certified surgeon, doubly boarded from the United States of America,” she added.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, took the opportunity to explain the process she underwent to become a licensed medical practitioner in Ghana upon her return to the country.
She indicated that she was licensed not only as a surgeon but also as a surgical specialist after successfully completing professional examinations.
“I licensed in Ghana not only as a surgeon, but also as a surgeon specialist. In 2014, even though I was a professor of surgery in the United States, I came back to Ghana. I took a written exam for a whole day. The next day, I sat in front of three surgeons in Korle-Bu and I did an oral exam,” she explained.
GTEC nabs Nyarkotey for operating a University without accreditation
She added; “After the oral exam, I spent another full day doing an ethics class. My license in Ghana is license number MDCRN7629. It was conferred on me on January 27, 2014. That is just a generalist. And I also have my specialist license, both of which were conferred on me on January 27, 2014. Currently, my dues are all paid and I’m a full member of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council.”
Watch the video below:
MAG/AE
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
