KNUST’s Professor (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah remains committed to fostering a research culture in Ghana that encourages young academics to stay and build sustainable careers. Through her work, she is not only contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance but also shaping the future of Ghanaian science.
She was featured on the German Television series, Wissen Hoch 2 on ZDF/3sat German TV.
Ghana’s academic landscape is thriving, but the local economy struggles to absorb its growing pool of intellectual talent. For many, emigration remains the only viable path to employment and career advancement. However, some scholars choose to use their expertise to create opportunities within Ghana.
One such academic is Professor (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah, a leading researcher in pharmacy at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, who is working to discover new antibiotics in collaboration with the University of Oxford.
Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis. While the effectiveness of existing antibiotics is dwindling, the development of new ones has stagnated, with few breakthroughs in the last four decades. Professor Amaning Danquah believes nature holds the key to solving this problem.
Her research focuses on cataloging active ingredients from Ghana’s rich and largely unexplored plant biodiversity, with the hope of identifying new plant-based compounds that could lead to pharmaceutical innovations.
“We believe that nature has a lot to offer,” she says. “Ghana’s biodiversity presents a unique opportunity to find new plant components and structures for drug development.”
At KNUST, where Professor Amaning Danquah leads her research, nearly 40% of the 90,000 students are women, a number that is steadily increasing. Women like her and her students are at the forefront of scientific discovery and academic progress, proving that Africa’s youngest generation is a driving force in global innovation.
Among those inspired by Amaning Danquah’s work is Mansa Forster, a 28-year-old PhD student on her research team. However, once Mansa completes her doctorate, she faces an uncertain future. The competition for academic positions in Ghana is fierce, and like many before her, she is already exploring opportunities abroad.
“If I get a chance, I would like to experience life outside,” Mansa admits. “I have had male friends tell me I am intimidating, being young, intelligent, and independent. I have worked hard, and now is the time to use my knowledge and skills.”
While her dream is to further her research, she acknowledges that not everyone will have the opportunity to move to countries like the United States, Canada, or the UK. However, she remains open to possibilities elsewhere, including Germany, where she hopes to make the most of any opportunity that comes her way.
Professor (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah understands this reality all too well. Having conducted research at the University of Oxford, she recognizes the benefits of gaining international experience. Yet, she remains hopeful that her students will return to contribute to Ghana’s development.
“I see it as an opportunity for my students to go out there, learn, and eventually come back to help grow our country,” she says. “They are well-trained, capable, and excel in their fields. If they return, they can make a real difference.”
However, this remains an ongoing challenge. A significant portion of Africa’s educated workforce is willing to leave their home countries in search of better prospects. Among Africans with a high school diploma or higher, nearly 50% consider emigrating for better opportunities.
As she continues her pioneering research, she hopes that the next generation of scientists will see Ghana as a land of opportunity, where their knowledge and skills can drive change and innovation.
Story by Abena Serwaa Gyamfi(URO)