Mrs. Alexandra Amoako-Mensah, a pioneering Ghanaian geologist, made significant contributions to the discovery of lithium in commercial quantities in Ghana. Her groundbreaking research, published in 1971, focused on Saltpond in the Central Region of Ghana. She was the first to register through her research the area as a potential hub of spodumene pegmatite. This thesis played a crucial role in identifying lithium deposits in Ghana many years later.

During her fieldwork in the Saltpond-Ewoyaa area, Mrs. Amoako-Mensah faced numerous physical and psychological barriers. She recalls, "I was almost discouraged when I embarked on the Ewoyaa-Abonko geological project. I went through thick forests in search of spodumene-bearing pegmatites, relying solely on a hand-held compass."

Her profession, unusual for a woman at the time, attracted curiosity and admiration from colleagues and onlookers. Community members, particularly women, marveled at her confidence and determination as she ventured into areas previously unexplored by men.

Overcoming Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

In Ghana, the mining industry is a highly male-dominated field, with little to no recognition of the contributions of women in the sector. Mrs. Amoako-Mensah's achievements were even more remarkable given the context of her work, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for future female geologists.

Academic and Professional Milestones

The publication of her thesis was just one of the many achievements in Mrs. Amoako-Mensah’s exceptional 40-year career. She began her career at the former Geological Survey Department (now the Geological Survey Authority of Ghana) from 1966 to 1972, eventually becoming the Head of the GSD’s laboratories in Accra and Saltpond. From 1972 to 1997, she worked at the former Industrial Research Institute (now the Institute of Industrial Research of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; CSIR), where she rose to the position of Chief Research Officer. She later served as Director of the Material Science Division and then as Director at the CSIR Head office until her retirement in 2000.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Amoako-Mensah served on numerous local and international boards and technical committees. These include the United Nations Scientific and Technical Committee on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, the Minerals Commission, and the Governing Council of GNPC Learning Foundation. She was also the Secretary General of the Geological Society of Africa (1988-1993) and President of the Ghana Institution of Geoscientists (2006-2017).

Recognition and Ongoing Influence

As the first female geologist in Ghana, Mrs. Amoako-Mensah's career is a testament to her resilience and expertise. In recognition of her contributions, the award for the Best Graduating Female Student in Geology at the Earth Science Department of the University of Ghana is named in her honor.

Current Role and Legacy

With the anticipated commencement of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in 2024 and initial lithium production expected by 2025, Mrs. Amoako-Mensah’s pioneering research continues to have a lasting impact. Her career represents a lifetime of remarkable achievements that have paved the way for future generations of women in geology. 

Today, Mrs. Amoako-Mensah serves as the Board Chairman of SAL Consult Limited, a multidisciplinary water and environmental consultancy company, and remains an active member of Women in Mining, Ghana. She is 83 years old and resides in Accra.

Oxfam in Ghana and our Just Economy pillar partners proudly celebrates Mrs. Alexandra Amoako-Mensah for her research, thirst for knowledge, and pioneering spirit, which are set to significantly improve the livelihoods of people in the Central Region and across Ghana. 

Mrs. Alexandra Amoako-Mensah: A Trailblazer in Ghana's Geological History