Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney DGL is a Medical Officer and a Public Health Physician, an epitome of concerted determination as well as one lady who stands tall among her peers with a strong character. Her zeal to pursue her goals and aspirations within her capabilities echoes her underlining philosophy espoused by her often repeated saying; “Nyame na ay3” Meaning “ It is the Lord’s doing”.
Born on the Wednesday 10th of January 1951 in Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana to the late Bro. Albert Cletus Anto of Council 3, Kumasi and Mrs. Mary Akua Anto all of blessed memory. RL Dame Sis. Dr. Bonney started her education at St. Paul’s R C school in Kumasi.
She continued to Holy Child School, Cape Coast, and St. Louis Secondary School Kumasi for her O’Level and A’level certifications respectively.
After graduating from the University of Cape Coast in 1974, with a Bachelor of Science and Education degree, RL Sis. Dame (Dr.) Agatha Akua Bonney taught Biology for 3 years at the secondary level. In 1977, she was offered a Ghana government scholarship to read medicine at the Kharkov Medical Institution in the former USSR now Ukraine Republic where she was trained and successfully graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1984. She also attained a Masters in Public Health degree in 1996 from the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon.
Upon her return home in 1984, RL Sis. Dame (Dr.) Agatha Akua Bonney worked at all levels of the health sector, serving mankind and the nation in diverse capacity from district to Metro and to the position of Acting Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services. She was also as a member of the coordinating team for Tuberculosis control at the national level for over 10 years.
Currently our DGL is manning Divine Mercy Hospital, at Esereso on the Lake road in Ashanti region with her husband Dr. Joseph Bonney.
Her services was not only limited to the consulting room as a medical officer. With her desire to continually impact knowledge, she also availed herself to train students in the medical field. She was a former Lecturer at the Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences and School of Public Health all in KNUST, Kumasi as well as a former Field Co-ordinator for the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. She is also a Fellow of Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Family Life
Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney is married to Dr Joe Bonney and they have been blessed with three children, Natalia, Ivy and Joseph as well as seven grandchildren. Ivy, (Sis. Dr. Ivy Abu) is currently the Deputy Noble Lady of Court 85, Sakumono in the Tema Region.
Noble Order
Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney was initiated into the Noble Order of the Ladies of Marshall in July, 1975 as a member of Court 1, Kumasi. She served at the secretariat for 6 years from 1986 to 1992, and became the Noble Lady of Court 1in 1994.
From 1996 to 2002, Respected Lady Sis Dr. Bonney was the Reader & Lecturer for Court. She also served as the Regional Physician for the then Ashanti-Denkyira Regional Court from 1995 until the split in 2013.
She was a foundation member for Ct 74, KNUST during the consecration of the Court in 2003. Being the only Officer who joined the new Court, she served as the IPNL, NA, PNA and Reader & lecturer for 2 years.
At the Grand Court level she has been the Grand Physician for the past 22years from 1995 to 2017, until her election as the Deputy Grand Lady. She also served as the Acting Grand Secretary for about 6 months during the preparatory stages for the opening of the first Court in London in 1995.
As the Grand Physician, RL Dame Dr A Bonney has been attending the annual GKs/NLs/RNLs/RGKs fora delivering health talks as well as writing on health issues in the Bridge. She also visits both brothers and sisters of the Noble Order who are either ill or bereaved as part of her duties.
Activities in the Church
Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney is an active parishnor of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, KNUST where she is a Patroness to the Pax and the Youth Choirs at the Chaplaincy and also a Pax Parent to the IMCS Pax Romana – i. e. Catholic students on KNUST Campus. Addiditonaly, she extends her philanthropy and service of being a patroness to St. Peter’s Minor Basilica Choir, also in Kumasi.
For the past 20 years she has been serving as the chairman on the Konongo- Mampong Diocesan Health Board.
Additionally, the Archdiocese of Kumasi and the Diocese of Goaso can boast of the rich experience and dedicated service rendered by Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney having been a member of their individual Health Boards.
From 2014 to date RL has been a devoted Trustee on the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) Board. It is no doubt that, she is currently the chairman of the Board of the Association.
Papal Award as a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester, Pope
In May 2017, she received a Papal Award, as a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester, Pope.
“Service” has always been her hallmark. Thus, she also operate the Mystical Rose Guest House at Boadi, in Kumasi as well as nurture children at the Holy Family Crèche/ School at the Ahensan Estate also in Kumasi.
She also offered free medical care to all clergy and religious who reported to all the health centres and hospitals where she worked at her own expense, and currently does same at the Divine Mercy Hospital at Esreso.
Indeed, Respected Lady Sis Dame Dr. Agatha Akua Bonney is a true personification of service and dedication to mankind. The Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall is proud to be associated with her and congratulates her on her noble achievements. May the good Lord continue to bless and keep her.
Wow,I’m impressed.
Congratulations RL Sis Dame Dr Bonney