Ghana’s first female professor in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Professor Marian Ewurama Addy, is remembered for her contributions to scientific research, women’s education, and science communication.

Professor Addy became a household name as the first quiz mistress of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), helping make science and mathematics more attractive to students across the country.

In a Facebook post highlighting her life and achievements, Charles Wundengba recounted how the renowned biochemist broke barriers in academia and encouraged young people, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science.

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Born Marian Ewurama Cole on February 7, 1942, in Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, she studied Botany and Chemistry at the University of Ghana before travelling to the United States for postgraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University, where she obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate in Biochemistry.

She later returned to Ghana and joined the University of Ghana as a lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a professor. She also served twice as head of the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.

Beyond teaching, Professor Addy conducted research into medicinal plants used in traditional medicine, seeking to examine their properties through scientific methods.

Her work included studies involving Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Desmodium adscendens, plants associated with traditional treatments for various health conditions.

She also championed science education and worked to encourage girls to pursue science-related subjects at a time when women remained underrepresented in scientific fields.

Her role as the first quiz mistress of the NSMQ further strengthened her public profile.

Through her calm presentation and leadership of the competition, she became a familiar face to students and science enthusiasts across Ghana.

Professor Addy’s contribution extended to public service and higher education. In 2008, she became the first president of the Anglican University College of Technology.

In 1999, she received the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science in recognition of her efforts to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public. She was also a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Professor Addy died on January 14, 2014, at the age of 71.

Her legacy continues to inspire young scientists, educators and women seeking to break barriers in academia, while her contribution to the NSMQ remains an important part of Ghana’s science education history.

NA/VPO

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