A distinguished physician and advocate for women’s reproductive health, Ambassador Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, has been appointed to Ghana’s Council of State by President John Dramani Mahama.
Renowned for her extensive work in advancing reproductive rights across Africa, she brings a wealth of experience to the advisory body.
Her appointment has been met with widespread commendation, with former IPAS Ghana Country Director, Dr. Koma Jehu-Appiah, expressing confidence in her ability to serve. “We fully trust in your capabilities to deliver,” he stated in a message of congratulations.
As a pioneer in women’s healthcare, Dr. Brookman-Amissah has played a pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality caused by unsafe abortions. Her advocacy has led to legal reforms and improved access to reproductive health services in several African countries, including Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Benin, Rwanda, Eswatini, Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of the United Kingdom credited her in 1998 with introducing Community Gynecology in Africa. She has also held key leadership positions, serving as Ghana’s Minister of Health and later as Ambassador to the Netherlands. Additionally, she was appointed Vice President for Africa at IPAS and later served as Special Advisor to the organization’s Global President.
Her efforts have contributed to a 40% decline in deaths from unsafe abortions in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2000. In 2023, she was honored with the Right Livelihood Honorary Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize, for her trailblazing work in advancing women’s reproductive rights.
Dr. Brookman-Amissah’s appointment to the Council of State is expected to bring valuable expertise to Ghana’s governance, particularly in the areas of public health, women’s rights, and policy development.
