Edward S. Ayensu

Edward Solomon Ayensu (1935-2023) was a distinguished Ghanaian botanist, scientist, and international development advisor who served as Chair of the Smithsonian Institution's Department of Botany and held high-level positions including Chairman of the World Bank Inspection Panel and Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank.[1][2][3] He authored numerous books on medicinal plants, biodiversity, and economic development, such as Medicinal Plants of West Africa (1978) and received awards like the Ghana National Science Award and TWAS Medal for Biological Sciences.[3][4] Ayensu was a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and contributed extensively to science, technology, and sustainable development in Africa.[1][3]