Dr. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway: The First Female to Earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway has made history as the first woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana.

This remarkable milestone not only shatters long-standing gender barriers but also paves the way for future generations of female mathematicians in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.

Dr. Botchway’s journey from her humble beginnings in Akaa Buem, located in the Oti Region, to becoming a trailblazer at the University of Ghana reflects her unwavering determination and resilience. Raised in a family of four, she was the second of three children. Her family faced numerous challenges, especially when they relocated to Accra for her mother’s education. Living with an aunt in a crowded and financially strained environment, Dr. Botchway and her siblings were often forced to make do with very little.

At just seven years old, Dr. Botchway began hawking goods on the streets of Accra to help support her family. “I sold pure water, yam, and fish. It wasn’t easy, but I loved the business aspect and it taught me a lot,” she recalls. Despite the challenges, she embraced this experience and found joy in the entrepreneurial spirit it sparked within her.

Schooling was no less challenging. With financial constraints affecting her family, Dr. Botchway often packed leftover banku for lunch and shared it with her younger brother, hiding behind the school staircase to avoid teasing from classmates. “We would hide to eat our food because we didn’t want anyone to see. I often went hungry just to ensure my brother had enough,” she shared, reflecting on the sacrifices made during her school years.

The family moved several times across Ghana during Dr. Botchway’s early years, eventually settling in Winneba, where she attended University Primary. These constant relocations meant adapting to various schools and curricula, making her educational journey more difficult. “I didn’t like science at first because each school had a different approach to the subject,” she admitted.

Despite these hardships, Dr. Botchway remained focused on her education. She attended six different schools during her basic education, which taught her adaptability, and perseverance. However, finances were always a challenge. She recalls wearing the same uniform from class four through junior high school, as her family could not afford to buy new clothes. “Life wasn’t easy, but my mother made sure I kept going,” she said gratefully.

Dr. Botchway’s move to secondary school at Accra Girls marked the turning point in her academic career. Initially interested in Business subjects, she soon discovered her passion for Mathematics. “Mathematics was a challenge, but I found it exciting. I wanted to pursue something less traveled by others,” she explained. Encouraged by a teacher who saw her potential, Dr. Botchway set her sights on a career in academia, something that would lead her to make history in her field.

At the University of Ghana, Dr. Botchway initially enrolled in Business Administration but quickly switched to Mathematics after being inspired by professors like Prof. Elsie Kaufmann and Dr. Adu Gyamfi. “I wanted to go into a challenging field, and Mathematics offered just that,” she recalled. With her passion for the subject and encouragement from mentors, she excelled academically and charted a course that would change the course of her life.

Her path, however, was not without its challenges. The lack of female role models in the field of Mathematics was discouraging, but Dr. Botchway remained undeterred. “People didn’t expect me to continue with Mathematics. There was a lot of discouragement, but that only motivated me to push harder,” she said.

Her colleague, Justine Johnson, praised her leadership, describing her as a determined and practical individual. “Gloria is someone you can always rely on. She set up a Maths study group that helped me and others significantly improve our understanding of the subject. She’s always determined to find solutions,” he said.

Balancing her academic career with family responsibilities added another layer of complexity to Dr. Botchway’s journey. During her master’s program, she married and had two children, and later had two more children while pursuing her PhD. She credits her supportive husband and family for making it all possible. “My husband was incredibly supportive throughout, always checking in and asking what I had accomplished,” she said.

Her mother, Mrs. Margaret Aduam, played a pivotal role in supporting Dr. Botchway throughout her academic journey. “The PhD was not easy. Sometimes I would take her children to my house just so she could have time to study,” Mrs. Aduam shared. The family, especially from her hometown in Jasikan, took great pride in her achievement, celebrating her success as a triumph for the entire community.

In 2024, Dr. Botchway’s dedication and perseverance culminated in her earning a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana. This achievement is a monumental step for gender equality in STEM fields in Ghana and beyond.

With her PhD now complete, Dr. Botchway aims to inspire the next generation of female mathematicians. She is involved in a project called “Enhancing M in STEM,” which seeks to improve Mathematics education for girls in secondary schools. “I want to show that Mathematics can be applied to solve real-world problems, not just theoretical issues,” she said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Botchway has set her sights on becoming the first female Professor of Mathematics at the University of Ghana. “I want to continue making a difference and break even more barriers for women in this field,” she declared. Her advice to young women considering a career in Mathematics is clear: “Don’t let anyone, including yourself, hold you back. Keep going, no matter what.”

Professor Deborah Atobrah, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) at the University of Ghana, highlighted the importance of Dr. Botchway’s achievement. “This is a huge accomplishment for women in STEM, and it should inspire others to pursue similar paths,” she said. She also emphasized the need for more support for women in STEM, including scholarships and career opportunities.

Dr. Chisara Peace Ogbogbo, Head of the Department of Mathematics, praised Dr. Botchway’s strong work ethic and reliability. “She’s serious-minded and dedicated. She’s someone I can always count on,” she said. Dr. Ogbogbo also called for more initiatives to encourage girls to pursue Mathematics, including scholarships and partnerships with the Department to support the “M in STEM” project.

Dr. Botchway’s story is one of persistence and courage, demonstrating that with determination, support, and access to education, no goal is out of reach. Her achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to break into STEM fields. As Ghana pushes for greater gender inclusion in STEM, Dr. Botchway’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a call for action.