Renowned Ghanaian-American chemical engineer and inventor who contributed to the development of fibre optic manufacturing and nanotechnology, Dr. Thomas Mensah, has died at the age of 74.
He had 14 patents and was inducted into the US National Academy of Inventors in 2015.
A statement released by the family on Thursday, March 28, said that the renowned inventor, who had been instrumental in revolutionizing telecommunications and technology, succumbed to a brief illness at the Kumasi Catholic Hope Exchange Hospital.
“Dr. Thomas Mensah died on the 27th March 2024 at Kumasi Catholic Hope Exchange Hospital. The sad occurrence of Dr. Mensah’s death was as a result of short illness.
“The family hereby announces to the general public of the sadden occurrence. Dr. Thomas Mensah has died at the age of 74,” portions of the statement read.
The Adisadel College Old Boys Association official X handle also confirmed the demise of Dr. Mensah.
“He was known on the global stage for his significant contributions in the field of fibre optics and nanotechnology.”
BREAKING🏁: Dr Thomas O. Mensah, Inventor of Fibre Optics and Nanotechnology Commercialization, has passed away🕊️.
He was known on the global stage for his significant contributions in the field of fibre optics and nanotechnology.
He was a proud Santaclausian. Rest well, Sir🏁 pic.twitter.com/t0zg01iA9h
— Adisadel College Old Boys Association (@UGadisco) March 28, 2024
Global communications networks have been greatly impacted by Dr. Mensah’s innovations, which have made enormous contributions to the world of technology.
His groundbreaking breakthrough in fibre optics enabled high-speed data transfer, revolutionising various industries and contributing to the success of the digital age.
Life and Legacy of Dr. Thomas Mensah
Dr. Thomas Mensah was born in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana. His father, J.K. Mensah, was a merchant who shipped cocoa products to chocolate manufacturers in France.
Mensah was fluent in French and won the National French Competition in Ghana, both at the Ordinary Level (1968) and Advanced Levels (1970) in Accra, Ghana.
He attended Adisadel College in Cape Coast, Ghana, and completed his undergraduate studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He then received a French government fellowship to study at Montpellier University in France.
While there, he took part in a programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and received a certificate in modelling and simulation of chemical processes from MIT in 1977.
A year later, he graduated with his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Montpelier University.
Dr. Thomas Mensah (Ph.D. and Professor), the inventor of fibre optics and nanotechnology commercialization pioneer, is the founder and CEO of Georgia Aerospace in the United States of America.
Dr. Thomas Mensah is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Silicon Valley of Ghana. Silicon Valley is the world’s largest technology and innovation institution.
Dr. Thomas Mensah is one of the most powerful inventors and chemical engineers who contributed to the manufacturing of the largest drone in the world.
He is the only scientist whose invention of fibre optic technology also introduced the earth’s planet to the Integrated Industrial Revolution, which has boosted the global economy with an over-85-percent increase in turnout.
He served on the MIT (number one world-ranking university) Board of Directors for five years. He worked with NASA (USA) and championed STEM at NASA.