March 2025: Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante – African Female Researcher of the Month
Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante is an esteemed Ghanaian neuropharmacologist, researcher, and educator at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to neuroscience and ethnopharmacology, Dr. Mante specializes in researching plant-based therapeutic options for managing drug-resistant epilepsy and neurocysticercosis. She is celebrated for her significant work in neuropharmacology, particularly her studies on the anticonvulsant properties of the plant alkaloid cryptolepine and its solid-lipid nanoparticles.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Mante is a passionate advocate for women in STEM and a mentor dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talent Award—a historic achievement as the only African recipient in 2019.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Priscilla Mante’s academic journey began at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School in Cape Coast, Ghana, where she exhibited exceptional aptitude in science. She later pursued higher education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, earning a PhD in Pharmacology in 2013. Her doctoral research focused on the anticonvulsant potential of Antiaris toxicaria, a plant native to Ghana, emphasizing its role in central nervous system therapeutics.
Seeking to expand her expertise, Dr. Mante furthered her postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan Medical School, USA, where she was awarded the University of Michigan STEM Seed Grant. This opportunity allowed her to refine her research on plant-based neuropharmacological treatments and solidify her reputation as a leading scientist in neuroscience.
Groundbreaking Research in Neuropharmacology
Dr. Mante’s research aims to improve the management of neurological disorders through plant-based medicines. Her work primarily focuses on drug-resistant epilepsy and neurocysticercosis, conditions that remain significant health challenges in many parts of Africa. She investigates alternative therapies derived from traditional medicinal plants, with a particular focus on the anticonvulsant properties of cryptolepine, an alkaloid extracted from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta.
One of her most remarkable scientific contributions is the development of solid-lipid nanoparticles to enhance cryptolepine’s ability to penetrate the central nervous system more effectively, thereby improving its anticonvulsant properties. This research is a major step toward making plant-based neurotherapeutics more effective in treating epilepsy, especially in underserved regions where conventional treatments may be less accessible or effective. Beyond epilepsy, Dr. Mante’s research extends to pain management, anxiety, and depression, further solidifying her status as a leading neuropharmacologist.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante’s exceptional contributions to science have been recognized both locally and internationally. Some of her most notable accolades include:
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talent Award (2019): This prestigious award recognized her as one of the world’s 15 most promising women scientists and the only African recipient that year. She also made history as the first scientist from KNUST to receive this honor.
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2018): She was one of only two postdoctoral recipients among 14 fellows selected from five African countries, chosen from over 480 applicants.
OWSD Early Career Fellowship (2019): Awarded by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, this fellowship supported her research on plant-based treatments for neurological disorders.
Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Science
Beyond her research, Dr. Mante is a respected leader and advocate for women in STEM. She has served in multiple influential roles, including:
Chair of the Ghana Young Academy (2019–2022), where she led efforts to promote young scientists in Ghana.
Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy (2022–Present, re-elected for a second term in 2023)—furthering global collaboration among early-career researchers.
Chairperson of the Academic, Social, and Research Pharmacists Association of Ghana (2023-Present).
Member of the Governing Board of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (2023–2025).
Steering Committee Member for the World Science Forum 2024.
Dr. Mante actively mentors young scientists, emphasizing the importance of women’s inclusion in senior scientific roles. She strongly believes that gender biases should not hinder women’s progress in science, famously stating:
“THE WORLD WILL MAKE ROOM FOR US. THE MORE WOMEN PUSH FOR SENIOR ROLES, THE HARDER IT WILL BE TO IGNORE THEM.”
Impact and Future Contributions
Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante’s research has far-reaching implications, particularly for the advancement of plant-based neuropharmacological treatments. By providing alternative, affordable, and effective treatments for epilepsy and neurocysticercosis, she is contributing to improving healthcare accessibility in Africa and beyond.
Her role as a mentor and advocate ensures that more women and young scientists are inspired to pursue careers in STEM and contribute to solving critical global health challenges. With continued research, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Mante is poised to make even greater strides in the scientific world.
Conclusion
Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante is a trailblazer in neuropharmacology, a role model for aspiring scientists, and a beacon of excellence in African science. Her dedication to finding innovative solutions for neurological disorders, combined with her unwavering advocacy for women in STEM, has earned her international recognition and respect. As she continues to break barriers and contribute to scientific advancements, her impact will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine and inspire generations to come.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2025). March 2025: Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante – African Female Researcher of the Month. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/march-2025-dr-priscilla-kolibea-mante-african-female-researcher-of-the-month-2/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
