Dr. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway became the first female PhD recipient in mathematics from the University of Ghana, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
In a traditionally male-dominated field, she broke down barriers, dispelling gender-based stereotypes and motivating upcoming generations of female mathematicians.
Dr. Botchway’s perseverance and tenacity are evident in her journey from the Oti region’s Akaa Buem village to becoming the first woman to receive a PhD in mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Gloria initially concentrated on business courses during her time at Accra Girls Secondary School, but she quickly realized that mathematics was her true love. She reveals that she loved math and had always wished to work in a field that few people pursued.
Her math teacher in high school saw her potential and encouraged her to go into academia.
She recalls her teacher telling her he would have to teach. Together with her natural enthusiasm for the topic, this support put Dr. Botchway on the course that would eventually lead her to make history.
Her journey to the University of Ghana, where she not only achieved academic success but also paved the way for upcoming generations of female mathematicians, was motivated by this passion.
She first selected a course in business administration when she started her studies at the University of Ghana, but she ultimately decided on mathematics.
She eventually decided to pursue mathematics after being encouraged by mentors such as Dr. Adu Gyamfi and Prof. Elsie Kaufmann, who gave her advice on the benefits of obtaining a degree in the field.
She encountered many obstacles in her academic and personal life as she advanced through her undergraduate and graduate studies. Although Dr. Botchway acknowledged that it is difficult and demanding, she cherished it.
The absence of female role models in her field was one of the biggest obstacles. Sometimes they were really discouraging, she said. But these uncertainties only strengthened her will to succeed.
Justine Johnson, Dr. Botchway’s coworker, characterized her as a committed, aspirational, pragmatic, and resolute person.
He spoke about her ability to lead and how she assisted in starting a study group for math, which improved his math skills. “Nothing is impossible, and she always strives to solve problems,” he said, praising her tenacity.
Another set of challenges was juggling her personal life and academic endeavors. Before graduating from her master’s program, Dr. Botchway married and had two children.
Dr. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway went on to have two more children during her PhD studies.
“My husband has been extremely supportive. In fact, countless times he would ask, ‘what have you done?’ Even though he doesn’t have any idea about what I’m doing, he would ask, ‘today, what did you do?’” she said.
Dr. Botchway’s mother, Mrs. Margaret Aduam, describes how she and other family members helped her along the way.
“In fact, I was always there for her because I noticed that the PhD was not an easy thing at all. So sometimes I take all her children to my house just so she could have time to study. We also provided her with prayer and emotional support. Sometimes she’s worn out and then I tell her, ‘Gloria, you can do it’,” she said.
“The family is excited and proud of Gloria’s achievement, with everyone in Jasikan, congratulating her and even wanting her to return home. They feel proud of her accomplishment and the excitement it has brought to the community,” Mrs. Aduam added.
Dr. Botchway’s persistence paid off in 2024 when she graduated from the University of Ghana with the first female PhD in mathematics. In addition to being a personal victory, this accomplishment marks a critical turning point for gender representation in Ghanaian STEM fields.
She is committed to inspiring the upcoming generation of female mathematicians and leaving a lasting impression in her field now that she has earned her PhD.
The goal of Dr. Botchway’s project, “Enhancing M in STEM,” is to enhance secondary school mathematics instruction for girls.
She is now pursuing a career in academia,o to become the first female math professor at the University of Ghana.
Gloria’s accomplishment is significant, according to Professor Deborah Atobrah, Director of the University of Ghana’s Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA).
“This is a very big achievement. It’s a huge feat in gender work for STEM. However, you know, we think this has taken too long for us to get here. But nevertheless, we still celebrate this very important achievement”, she said.
A number of other department heads at the University of Ghana have praised Dr. Botchway and her work ethic.
Dr. Botchway has demonstrated tenacity and perseverance throughout her academic career, which prepared the ground for her historic accomplishment.
Her tale is one of tenacity, embodying the spirit of a woman who overcame adversity to accomplish historic achievement.
In her remarks of gratitude, Dr. Botchway gives thanks to God for guiding her through everything. She also expressed gratitude to Professor Anthony Yaw Aidoo of Eastern Connecticut State University, her supervisor, for his encouragement during her doctoral studies.
She also thanked the University of Ghana and her department for offering a supportive environment and waiving fees.
She expressed appreciation to Professor Seba, Dr. Ogbogbo, and Dr. Twum for their contributions to the trip. She received support from Carnegie Corporation through Professor Yaa Ntimoa-Baidu’sCarnegie Next Generation of Academics, Africa and Banga project.
Dr. Botchway also expressed gratitude to their family for their support, particularly to her husband and mother, Madam Margaret Aduam. She also expressed gratitude to her friends for their unselfish assistance during their journey.
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