Dr. Leticia Obeng: First Ghanaian woman to earn bachelor's degree and PhD in science
- Dr. Leticia Obeng made history as the first Ghanaian woman to earn a bachelor's degree in science
- She is also the first woman to be awarded a PhD in Tropical Medicine
- Dr. Leticia Obeng was born on January 10, 1925
At a time when few women pursued careers in the STEM, Dr. Leticia Eva Takyibea Obeng, a Ghanaian scientist, made history as the first woman to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science.
Leticia Obeng also made waves when she received a doctorate in science in 1964, making her the first to have earned that feat.
The notable female Ghanaian scientist was born a high achiever, evident in her sister, Madam Theodosia Okoh, who designed the Ghana flag.
The Anum native in the Eastern Region was born on January 10, 1925, and grew to be described as ‘the grandmother of female scientists in Ghana’.
READ ALSO: Woman who earned PhD at 23 inspires women to pursue STEM programs
Leticia Obeng first attended primary school in Abetifi, Kwaku and studied in a middle school in Kyebi.
She would later gain admission at Achimota school to pursue a secondary education between 1939 and 1946.
While at school, Leticia took the London University International Examination to continue her education, courtesy government scholarship at the University of Birmingham from 1948 to 1952 and graduated with a degree in Zoology, making her the first woman to be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Botany.
Leticia earned her Master of Science degree in Parasitology in 1962 and a PhD in Tropical Medicine, also from the University of Birmingham in 1964.
Her PhD was awarded her by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where she studied the Black Fly and its relevance to River Blindness.
Dr. Leticia's father, Very Reverend E.V Asihene Anad, was the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and her mother was Dora Asihene.
She was married to George A.Obeng who died in 1953.
Dr. Leticia Obeng launched her first book, Anthology of a Lifetime in July 2019.
Meanwhile, a set of triplets have left their school and parents stunned and proud after they graduated Ola High School in McDonough with perfect scores of 4.0 GPA. The triplets were honoured by their school for completing with top scores.
Kendall, Kolby and Sydney Belcher were also enrolled in college while in high school, so they began with nearly a year of credits. Their mother, Cathey Belcher, disclosed in an interview that she is a happy and proud of her kids.
READ ALSO: Former homeless Black teen who taught himself to sew now owns top fashion business
Faces of Ghana: Meet the IT Graduate who has Branched into Tailoring| #Yencomgh
READ ALSO: Ghanaian boy stuns the world with another mind-blowing drawing that looks just like KiDi
Have national and human interest issues to discuss?
Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
