With determination and hard work, nothing is impossible. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway, a Ghanaian, learned this lesson growing up in a modest family. Though her parents had limited resources, they instilled in her a deep love for learning, understanding the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals economically.
At the age of six, Botchway was selling goods on the streets of Teshie, a town in Accra, Ghana’s capital. During this time, she lived with relatives while her mother pursued further studies. Despite the challenges she faced, Botchway remained determined, driven by what she described as a dream to rise above her circumstances.
Botchway was passionate about her education, particularly mathematics. Her elective Maths teacher even predicted that she would one day become a Mathematics lecturer.
“I laughed it off then, but little did I know that God was orchestrating my steps towards greatness,” Botchway reflected.
Today, she has made history as the first female PhD graduate in Mathematics from the University of Ghana. She described her achievement as “a story of triumph over adversity, of hope in the face of despair, and of the unbreakable human spirit.”
Botchway attributes her success to God’s Grace and hard work, emphasizing that making God a priority is essential. “Without Him, we are nothing and can do nothing,” she shared on the University of Ghana website.
She hopes her story will inspire others facing difficult times.
“Today, I stand as a beacon of hope for anyone who feels trapped, marginalized, or limited. I am living proof that you can rise above your circumstances and achieve greatness despite the odds,” Botchway said, expressing gratitude to the friends and family who supported her along the way.
“My story is not just about me; it’s about the countless individuals who have supported me along the way – my family, teachers, mentors, and friends. I am also thankful to the UG Carnegie NGAA and The BANGA Africa Project for their financial support throughout my journey. I cannot forget to mention the University of Ghana, Legon, and the Department of Mathematics, who provided a conducive environment for me to thrive.”
A recent report by Times Higher Education (THE) and UNESCO found that 47% of African universities’ STEM graduates, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, are women. This makes Africa the continent with the highest proportion of female STEM graduates.
