The Department of French at the University of Ghana, Legon, has announced a historic academic milestone: Dr. Mensimah E. Appiah-Thompson (also known as Dr. Mensimah Thompson-Kwaffo) has become the first woman to earn a PhD from the department—marking a major achievement in the advancement of women in higher education in Ghana.
Dr. Thompson-Kwaffo is also a lecturer and researcher at Ashesi University’s Department of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Her groundbreaking doctoral research, titled “Communication Strategies and Oral Productions in French as a Foreign Language (FFL): A Study on Ghanaian University Students,” dives deep into how Ghanaian students studying French navigate and overcome linguistic barriers.
According to the department’s official statement, the study investigates the communication strategies (CS) employed by university-level FFL learners.
Drawing from Levelt et al.’s theory of lexical access and Segalowitz’s cognitive research on second language acquisition, the thesis identifies how tools like pauses, self-correction, literal translation, and repetition help students stay engaged in conversations despite limited proficiency.
Dr. Thompson-Kwaffo’s methodology combined both qualitative and quantitative research—including task observations, questionnaires, and interviews—to offer a detailed and practical teaching guide aimed at integrating communication strategies into foreign language instruction.
Her research contributes not only to linguistics and education but also offers a model for effective language teaching in multilingual African settings.
Originally from Ghana, Dr. Thompson-Kwaffo holds an MPhil in French Linguistics and Didactics from the University of Cape Coast and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana. In addition to her academic achievements, she is also the creative mind behind the fashion brand @kukua_kwaffo_clothing, successfully balancing intellectual pursuits with artistic expression.
Her historic accomplishment was lauded by the University of Ghana’s French Department, which stated:
“Mensimah’s hard work, dedication, and deep interest in language education are truly commendable. Her research will have a lasting impact on how French is taught and learned in Ghana and beyond.”
From navigating the cognitive complexities of second-language learning to designing garments that celebrate African culture, Dr. Mensimah Thompson-Kwaffo’s story is one of bold scholarship, resilience, and multifaceted brilliance.
