Celebrating African Women in Medicine Part 2

Tabitha Medical Center continues to celebrate African Women in Medicine for the month of March. In this edition, we explore the life of an extraordinary woman whose outstanding position as the first female Ghanaian doctor; and her contributions to the field of medicine made her a symbol of inspiration to women not just in Africa, but worldwide.

Susan De-Graft Johnson, a daughter of Sir Nana Ofori-Atta  became the first Ghanaian female doctor in 1949. Her quest for more knowledge regarding malnutrition led her into the field of medical research. In the course of her research, she discovered a malnutrition condition prevalent among children (resulting when there is not enough protein in the diet). She named the findings of her research work “Kwashiokor”.

BIRTH:

Dr (Mrs.) Susan de-Graft Johnson (Nee Ofori- Atta) was born in the Royal court at Kyebi, Ghana in 1917 as one of three (3) children born to Chief Nana Ofori- Atta I; the Okyenhene and Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa traditional Area, and Nana Akosua Duodu. 

EDUCATION:

Though considered the little princess of Kyebi, Chief Nana saw in her an intellect which must be developed in the highest institute of learning regardless of her status as a female. The Chief took the first steps by sending her to St. Mary’s Convent at Elmina in 1921 where she attended her Primary education. As expected, she excelled so much that she was among the few females admitted into Achimota Secondary School in 1929, at the tender age of 12.

Susan de-Graft Johnson was not only one of the pioneering students at Achimota College, but maintained a position as one of the top students in her class throughout her college years. Due to her academic excellence, she was appointed the Girls’ Head Prefect during her final year in Achimota.

After her secondary education, she entered the Korle-bu Midwifery Training School and qualified as a midwife in 1935. She practiced as a midwife for two (2) years before choosing to go to Scotland for a further course in midwifery.

However, she was encouraged by her father to undertake a pre-med course for entry into the Edinburgh University Medical School; And after she successfully gained entry, was sponsored to study medicine also by the Nana Ofori-Atta. 

CAREER:

In 1949 Susan de-Graft Johnson obtained her MB, Ch. B degrees, becoming the first female medical doctor in Ghana. In 1951, she became the Medical Officer-In-Charge at Kumasi hospital. As a former midwife, her passion for women and children made her a favoured doctor to many nursing mothers and pregnant women in Kumasi.

The Kumasi hospital authorities discovered her keen interest in the field of pediatrics, and immediately transferred her to the Princess Marie Louise Children’s hospital in Korle-bu, Central Accra (Now Accra Children’s Hospital). Soon after her transfer she became Doctor-in-charge of the PML Children’s hospital, and remained so for many years. During that time, she was affectionately dubbed “mmofra doctor” (children’s doctor).

At the opening of the University Of Ghana Medical School, Dr Susan transferred to the UGMS, becoming one of the founding members of the pediatrics department. Retiring from the UGMS, she set up her own clinic. Her unique patient centered practice gained her a great amount of popularity and affection among mothers and children. She doted on her patients and performed longer and more detailed examinations than was the usual practice.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. While she was at the PML hospital, her quest for more knowledge regarding malnutrition problems among children led her into the field of medical research. Her ground breaking work on malnutrition brought to the fore deep knowledge about malnutrition as a medical condition affecting children. She provided measures to prevent its occurrence, and its management for those who already had acquired it. She named this condition “Kwashiokor” – an expression which later became a medical term worldwide. In 1974, the UG conferred on her a Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) for her pioneering research work on malnutrition – Kwashiokor.

2. Dr Susan de- Graft Johnson became a catholic while she attended St. Mary’s Convent in Elmina. She worked tirelessly for the church and was a member of several associations, particularly: Federation of Association of Catholic Medical doctors; where she became an executive, and Ghana Catholic Doctors Association. She was also known to offer free medical services for her community. In 1980 when Pope John Paul II visited Ghana, Dr. Susan de-Graft Johnson was decorated with the Royal Cross in recognition of her humanitarian efforts, and her service to the church.

3. As a woman whose primary concern was for the health and welfare of mothers and children, she became a founding member of the Women Society for Public Affairs of which she was the main pillar. She used this as a medium to advance women’s right of inheritance in Ghana. In 1985, she won her fight against the Akan System of Inheritance (denying the right of inheritance to women and children). The law was changed with the promulgation of the intestate Succession Law, giving right to women and children to inherit their deceased spouses and fathers who died intestate.

4. Dr Susan de-Graft was a member of the 1969 Constituent Assembly that drafted the Second Republican Constitution in Ghana.

FAMILY:

Dr. Susan married late in life to Dr. E.V.C De-Graft Johnson, a renowned barrister at law. She died on July 1985, in Great Britain, leaving a yawning hole in the hearts of women the world over. She will long be remembered not only as one of Africa’s pioneer female doctors, but for her social work for women and children and her contribution to the field of medicine.