One-on-one with first female medical doctor from Nima-Zongo

Dr Amina Sanni-Toure always knew that she wanted to be a medical doctor, after she grown up in Accra-Nima the largest Zongo community in Ghana and She decided to pursue her medical education.

She attended the University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Korle bu in Accra. She also hold a first degree in Zoology (BSc. Zoology) from University of Ghana before pursing postgraduate in medicine.

She is the co-founder of Health Education Reachout Africa whose mission is to provide Health Education in local dialect to under-served communities in African using modern media technologies.

ZONGONEWS: Why do you want to become a Gynaecologist

DR AMINA SANNI-TOURE: I have always known since my days at school that I wanted to be a doctor. After I completed De-Youngster’s International School in Accra for my Junior High and Krobo Girls Presbyterian Senior High School in Odumase- Krobo, Eastern Region, all in Ghana. I grew up in a town called Nima in the capital city of Ghana, Accra. Nima is a densely populated area which some describe as a slum (zongo, as we affectionately call it) with all kinds of people. When I was growing up, Professions like doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, bankers etc. were very hard to find in my vicinity but I said to myself I wanted to be Doctor. I am now glad to stand boldly and say we now have several graduates, nurses, bankers, entrepreneurs etc. and I can also “hit my chest” and say I know one Dr. Amina from Nima.

It was not easy and being a female also had its advantages and disadvantages but the motivation, support and prayers from family and friends especially my beloved mother and kind hearted sister saw me through.

ZONGONEWS: What steps will you take to become a Gynaecolgist?

DR AMINA SANNI-TOURE: I remember when I could not get into medical school the first time I applied, I was very sad but I was not discouraged or deterred. I went to read Zoology and after completing, I applied again for the postgraduate medicine after three and half years and I got it.

Medicine was very difficult as first but I was so determined and I persevered. I wanted to be the first female doctor to come from a place that people thought it only produced deviants. I wanted to tell people that females from my vicinity and other “Zongos”, were not only good for marriage but could also be doctors etc. I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted the young ones to look at me and others who had made it and one day become more than us. I have a strong passion for women and children not to say I don’t care about men. I would like to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This specialty deals with women and in Ghana the about 95% of the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist are men. I want to be one of those who will help to bridge that gap.

ZONGONEWS: What is the most important piece of advice you can give to Zongo youth /students?

DR AMINA SANNI-TOURE: I quite remember some of friends kept asking me whether truly I was from Nima.

It was not easy and being a female also had its advantages and disadvantages but the motivation, support and prayers from family and friends especially my beloved mother and kind hearted sister saw me through. My piece of advice to the Zongo Youth is,if you want do something and it fails, don’t be discouraged.

All you have to do is pick yourself up and try again. Always try to be among people who are optimistic and avoid people who tell you, you cannot do it. You must always remember, GOD IS NOT IN A HURRY BUT ALWAYS ON TIME.