Born: 1930 (Cape Coast, Ghana)
Died: 2021 (Accra, Ghana)
Biography:
Rosamond Asiamah Nkansah (13 January 1930 – 20 February 2021) was a Ghanaian law enforcement officer who paved the way for women in the Ghana Police Service. Born in the year 1930, Nkansah experienced a time when women were largely excluded from the male-dominated field of law enforcement. However, she defied the odds and became the first woman to be enlisted into the Ghana Police Service, formerly known as the Gold Coast Police Force.
Nkansah’s journey towards breaking barriers began with her education at Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast. She distinguished herself academically, obtaining a Senior Cambridge and Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’ to solidify her commitment to learning. Equipped with these qualifications, she embarked on her career path in law enforcement.
On 1 September 1952, at the age of 22, Rosamond Asiamah Nkansah was enlisted into the Gold Coast Police Force. This historic moment not only marked her personal achievement but also symbolized a significant milestone for women in Ghana. Nkansah was among the first group of policewomen, consisting of 11 others, to be enlisted in the force. Furthermore, her exceptional leadership skills led to her appointment as their leader, making her an influential figure within the organization.
During Nkansah’s time in the police force, there were strict regulations that prohibited policewomen from marrying or getting pregnant. However, she boldly challenged this discriminatory directive. In an act of advocacy for women’s rights, she petitioned the government to allow policewomen the right to marry and have children. Additionally, she fought for the reinstatement of those policewomen who had resigned in order to start families.
Nkansah’s petition had a profound impact as it resulted in the abolition of the regulation that limited women’s service in the police force due to marriage and pregnancy. Her efforts played a vital role in ensuring equal opportunities for policewomen in Ghana. However, despite her groundbreaking achievements, Nkansah resigned from the Gold Coast Police Force on 16 May 1958.
Following her resignation, Nkansah took up teaching at St. John’s Grammar School from 1961 to 1964. Her prior certification as a professional teacher, acquired before her tenure in the Gold Coast Police Force, allowed her to contribute to the education sector. In 1965, she joined the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, where she served as the head of School broadcasting programs for a year.
In 1999, after decades of dedicated service, Rosamond Asiamah Nkansah retired from active duty and redirected her focus towards writing books. Her literary contributions went beyond the written word, as she also translated her works, such as Octagon, into foreign and local languages. Nkansah’s dedication to literature showcased her intellectual prowess and commitment to cultural diversity.
On Saturday evening, 20 February 2021, Rosamond Asiamah Nkansah passed away at the Police Hospital in Accra. Her remarkable journey as the first woman to enter the Ghana Police Service had a profound impact on the law enforcement sector in Ghana and remains an indelible part of women’s history in the country. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to strive for excellence and shatter gender barriers.