AFRICA | A brilliant young African lady named Dr. Erica Ntiamoah Mensah has made history as the youngest medical doctor in Ghana, earning her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from the Accra College of Medicine at just 21 years old.
For Erica, the journey to this incredible milestone began long before medical school.
Erica's Story and How She Did It
Growing up, her dream was to become a medical doctor and make a difference in people’s lives. But her path was far from easy. In her early years, she was labeled a “slow learner” by teachers, a tag that once shattered her confidence and made her question her abilities.
“Those negative remarks crushed my aspirations and made me doubt myself. But my father’s encouragement and my mother’s dedication to homeschooling changed everything. Watching my own improvement became my greatest motivation,” Erica recalled.
With her parents’ unwavering belief, Erica began to excel academically. She completed her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at a younger age than most of her peers.
In 2016, she gained admission into the Accra College of Medicine at just 16 years old. By 2021, after five years of rigorous study, sleepless nights, and immense sacrifice, Erica proudly graduated as the youngest person to ever be certified as a medical doctor in Ghana.
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Her outstanding academic performance earned her multiple awards, including the Ken and Angela Ofori-Atta Prize for Overall Best Student in Leadership, the Kwaku Mensah-Bonsu Prize for Overall Best Student in Surgery, and Yeboah’s Hospital Prize for Overall Best Student in Community Health
Reflecting on her achievement, Erica admitted that the medical journey was both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“Medical school is not a walk in the park. It requires sacrifice, sleepless nights, and consistency. But I thank God for the strength and grace to see it through,” she said.
She also credited her success to her mentors, especially her father, Dr. Eric Ntiamoah Mensah, Professor Afua Hesse, and other inspiring women who showed her that balancing excellence at work with a fulfilling personal life was possible.
“Seeing women who were phenomenal in their careers and amazing in their personal lives gave me the confidence that greatness was within reach,” she shared.
Following her graduation, Dr. Erica pursued her passion for women’s health and empowerment. She enrolled at the University of Ghana, where she obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Leadership and Management in 2023.
Currently, she is a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she continues to advocate for better maternal healthcare and inspire young women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
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