Memorial Lecture Held in Honour of the Late Prof. Marian Ewurama Addy

A Memorial Lecture has been held in honour of the late Professor Marian Ewurama Addy as part of activities marking the first anniversary of her death. The Lecture was organized by the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology on the topic, “Evidence Based Research into Plant Medicine: The Marian Ewurama Addy factor”. It was delivered by the Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Alexander Nyarko, who was a former student and Research Associate of the Late Prof. Addy.

Prof. Alexander Nyarko delivering the Lecture

Prof. Nyarko highlighted some of the studies that late Prof. Addy undertook. He noted that the late Prof. Addy used animal models that mimicked disease states such as allergic asthma and diabetes mellitus and employed the use of pharmacological and biochemical tools to answer scientific questions related to the efficacy of plant medicines.

He quoted Prof. Addy on her mission and strategies for conducting plant medicine research, noting that she undertook research into the scientific basis for the therapeutic actions of local medicinal plants, to corroborate the herbalists’ claim of efficacy. The research involved setting up laboratory test systems to evaluate plants used by herbalists in the treatment of various diseases, especially diabetes, asthma and other inflammatory diseases. Portions of the research were carried out in laboratories in Sweden, Canada, the United States and in Ghana.

Prof. Nyarko indicated that Prof. Addy’s motivation was to contribute to the development of plant medicine by using her knowledge and expertise in Science to address some of the concerns, specifically by addressing issues related to safety and efficacy of products. He also discussed her role as a trainer, mentor of a cadre of scientists who will continue with her legacy and the way forward for the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.

 

Prof. Nyarko advised Scientists to emulate her example and contribute towards the unfinished business in plant medicine research and other Ghanaian indigenous knowledge systems.

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Provost, CBAS

Earlier, the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu introduced the Chairperson for the Lecture. 

Prof. Isabella Quakyi, Chairperson for the Lecture

The Chairperson, Prof. Isabella Quakyi, also an accomplished female Scientist, described the late Prof. Ewurama Addy as a unique lady, who did not die in vain. She said, Prof. Addy was a mentor and a role model to women especially women in the Sciences.

 Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, said it was important to show the achievements of the late Professor, her immense contribution to Science and what she stood for, to inspire others. He expressed the hope that Prof. Addy’s commitment to her work would ensure that her memory lives on and that there would be many more Scientists like her. He encouraged young lecturers to learn from her hard work so they could also be great Scientists in the near future.

Dr. Gordon Awandare, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

Dr. Gordon Awandare, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology spoke of some attributes of Prof. Ewurama Addy and recalled the special relationships she had with all her students. He described her as an exceptional role model and praised her for her remarkable contribution to the Department. He hoped that the lecture would inspire the audience and motivate all to attend future lectures in her honour.

Madam Jane Cole, speaking on behalf of the family

A member of the family, Madam Jane Cole expressed appreciation to the Department and the University on behalf of her family for organizing the Lecture.

The memorial lecture was attended by some family members of the late Prof. Ewurama Addy, including her husband Mr. Oko Addy, and her two daughters Esi Lamiorkor Addy and Nah Lamiley Sadowski.

Also in attendance were two former Vice-Chancellors of the University, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr and Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. John Gyapong, Students and Faculty members of the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, members of the University Community and Christ Anglican Church as well as some members of the public.

Faculty from the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology in a pose with UG Officials and Family members 

The audience at the Lecture