Prof. Cynthia Amaning Danquah Makes History as KNUST’s First Female Professor of Pharmacology

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | September 16| Prof. Cynthia Amaning Danquah Makes History as KNUST’s First Female Professor of Pharmacology

Prof. Cynthia Amaning Danquah Makes History as KNUST’s First Female Professor of Pharmacology Prof. (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah has been promoted as the first female professor of Pharmacology at KNUST. Her journey from student to academic trailblazer highlights her pioneering research in antimicrobial resistance and her leadership in higher education.

Breaking Barriers in Pharmacology

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has recorded another historic achievement with the promotion of Prof. (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah as the first female professor of Pharmacology. Her elevation to the highest academic rank is not only a personal milestone but also a significant breakthrough for women in higher education and scientific research in Ghana.Prof. Amaning Danquah’s academic and professional journey reflects perseverance, intellectual brilliance, and a commitment to excellence in a field long dominated by men. Her story is now a symbol of hope for young women aspiring to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Academic Journey

A proud alumna of KNUST, Prof. Amaning Danquah began her academic pursuit at the university’s School of Pharmacy, where she earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. She continued to excel in postgraduate studies, completing an MPhil in Pharmacology, before setting her sights abroad for advanced training.She pursued her PhD in Natural Product Drug Discovery at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading institutions in biomedical sciences. There, she specialised in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health challenge that threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics and the treatment of infectious diseases. Her doctoral work sharpened her expertise in pharmacology and positioned her as one of Ghana’s leading voices in natural product research and drug discovery

Career Milestones

Prof. Amaning Danquah’s groundbreaking career began in 2009, when she became the first female lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology at KNUST. This appointment was a defining moment, not only for her personal career but also for the department’s history.After three years of service, she left temporarily to pursue her doctoral studies in the United Kingdom. Upon her return in 2014, she was promoted to Senior Lecturer, further strengthening her leadership and teaching contributions. In 2021, she attained the rank of Associate Professor, and in 2025, she has now reached the pinnacle of academia as a Professor of Pharmacology—the first woman in the department’s history to do so.Her tenure has also been marked by leadership roles, notably becoming the first female Head of Department in Pharmacology at KNUST. Under her leadership, the department has advanced its teaching and research profile, producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to pharmacy practice, academia, and healthcare delivery in Ghana and beyond.

Research Focus: Antimicrobial Resistance

A key highlight of Prof. Amaning Danquah’s academic career has been her research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Her studies on natural product drug discovery explore how plant-based compounds and indigenous knowledge can provide new solutions to the global fight against drug-resistant infections.The World Health Organization has described antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. In this regard, Prof. Amaning Danquah’s research not only places Ghana on the international map of pharmacological innovation but also directly contributes to efforts aimed at addressing one of the world’s most pressing medical challenges.Through publications, conference presentations, and collaborations, she has raised awareness about AMR and has worked to promote policies that support research and investment in drug discovery in Ghana.

Women in STEM: A Role Model for Generations

Prof. Amaning Danquah’s promotion represents more than an individual achievement—it is a breakthrough for gender equality in academia. Women in Ghana and across Africa remain underrepresented in science and higher education, particularly in leadership positions.Her story underscores the importance of resilience, mentorship, and opportunity in breaking barriers. As the first female professor of Pharmacology at KNUST, she has become a role model for female students in pharmacy, pharmacology, and other STEM-related disciplines.Her success is likely to inspire a new generation of women to pursue academic careers, contribute to research, and take up leadership roles in science and education.

Looking Ahead

As she assumes her new role, Prof. Amaning Danquah is expected to expand her research, mentorship, and policy advocacy. The Department of Pharmacology at KNUST is set to benefit from her academic leadership, while her work on antimicrobial resistance continues to align with global health priorities.Her story is a reminder that excellence in academia is not only about individual success but also about the transformation of systems, institutions, and societies. By breaking barriers and setting new standards, she has laid the groundwork for future scholars—especially women—to thrive.

Conclusion

Prof. (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah’s rise to become KNUST’s first female professor of Pharmacology is a landmark achievement in Ghana’s academic and scientific history. Her dedication to teaching, research, and leadership embodies the transformative power of education and innovation.Her journey from a pharmacy student at KNUST to a professor and global researcher is a testament to what determination, resilience, and vision can achieve. It is also a call to support more women in science, to invest in research, and to celebrate academic excellence that impacts not only Ghana but the world.

Related Links

• Top 20 Colleges of Education in Ghana 2025 Rankings

• Akrokerri College of Education Ranked Best in 2025

• Education in Ghana: Accreditation and Standards

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