Profile Of The Month: Mary Ashun – The Transformational Leader Reimagining Education for a New Generation
A Visionary Beyond the Blackboard
“Do you see galaxies where others see mere stars?”
This probing question, often posed by Dr. Mary Asabea Ashun, captures the essence of her life’s work: to ignite imagination, possibility, and excellence in education. A biochemist turned celebrated educator, author, and global thought leader, Dr. Ashun is rewriting the story of African education by challenging convention and championing creativity in classrooms.
With over 25 years of experience across North America and Africa, Dr. Ashun has left her mark on education systems through bold leadership, practical innovation, and a profound belief in the potential of every learner. Today, as CEO of Ghana International School (GIS), she stands at the frontier of education reform, not only in Ghana but globally.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
Born in Accra in 1968 to a family of educators and diplomats, Mary Ashun’s path seemed destined for impact. Her father, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Apea, and mother, Emma Elizabeth Apea, both held deep commitments to education and service. A childhood partially spent in London opened her worldview, but it was her time at Achimota School that laid the foundation for her love of science and teaching.
After earning a BSc in Combined Sciences from the University of East London, she pursued a PhD in Biochemistry in Buffalo, New York, focusing her research on antiretroviral therapies. But science, it turned out, was only the beginning.
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Mary made an unexpected but inspired pivot, earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto to follow her true calling: teaching. As she puts it, “It can never be classified as going back when you finally find what you want to do in life.”
THE TEACHER WHO TEACHES TEACHERS
Dr. Ashun’s teaching career flourished in Ontario, Canada, where she taught science and mathematics across various levels. However, a fading passion led her to her next breakthrough: teaching future educators how to teach science. As an assistant professor at Redeemer University, she brought classrooms alive with innovative tech tools and infused STEM with relevance and wonder.
But the real transformation began when she took on school leadership, first as Principal of Philopateer Christian College in Toronto, and then, in 2014, at GIS.
REIMAGINING EDUCATION AT GHANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Since assuming leadership at GIS, Dr. Ashun has overseen a decade of radical transformation. Her vision blends scientific inquiry, digital innovation, and community-driven education. Under her guidance, GIS has introduced AI and robotics into its curriculum, encouraged field-based learning, and inspired students to think critically and act locally.
From irrigation farms to recycling plants, GIS students are now exposed to real-world learning that goes beyond textbooks, thanks to Mary’s scientific roots and learner-centered leadership.
She champions teacher quality as the bedrock of educational excellence. “Teaching and research should go hand in hand,” she says. At GIS, teachers are not only educators but also researchers, observing, documenting, and refining their practice. Through conferences like TIME (Transform, Inspire, Motivate, Educate), she invests in educators across Ghana and beyond.
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BEYOND CLASSROOM WALLS: A WRITER, ADVOCATE, AND GLOBAL VOICE
As an author, Mary Ashun writes under three names, each representing a different facet of her identity:
- Dr. Mary Ashun: the scientist and educator,
- Asabea Ashun: the multicultural storyteller,
- Abena Apea: the Ghanaian voice telling African stories.
From Tuesday’s Child to Grace, The Pandemic Warrior, and the Adventures of Kobby Badu-Smith, her novels capture diverse narratives for children and young adults. She’s also written and produced plays, including The Prince of Egypt staged at Ghana’s National Theatre.
In academia, she has published on education reform, mathematics instruction, and the professional development of teachers. Her voice rings out in conferences and editorials, including her bold public stand when her alma mater, Achimota School, denied admission to Rastafarian students.
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BUILDING LEGACIES IN GHANA AND BEYOND
In 2011, she was awarded a $200,000 CIDA grant to develop a literacy and business skills program in Asamankese, Ghana. This birthed His Majesty’s Christian School, a low-cost, high-impact school now serving nearly 300 children. Her commitment to lasting impact echoes in all she does.
Now serving as CEO of GIS, Dr. Ashun is tasked with executing the school’s long-term strategy and expanding its partnerships, further proof that true leadership earns more responsibility, not less.
She serves on global education councils, including BETT Global and the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works advisory board. In 2023, she was a top 10 finalist for the Africa Education Medal, a testament to her influence and advocacy.
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THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORK
Away from public acclaim, Mary is grounded in her faith, family, and deep love for Africa. She is married to Joseph Ashun, an engineer, and together they have raised three sons: Abeyku, Kwam, and Jojo. Their life between Accra and Toronto is a reflection of Mary’s multicultural identity, rooted in Ghana, expansive across the world.
She raises funds for causes close to her heart, including His Majesty’s Christian School, Enough Inc., and Teach for Ghana. At PELÉ (Perbi Executive Leadership Education), she now serves as an education leadership consultant, helping executives lead with authenticity and vision.
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STILL CHASING THE SUNRISE
Dr. Mary Ashun is not just transforming education; she’s transforming lives. Whether through policy, prose, or pedagogy, her goal remains simple yet profound: to pour out the grace she has received into the lives of others.
As she puts it, “Most can wait for a sunset. The passionate chase a sunrise.”
At just over fifty, Dr. Ashun is not slowing down; she is only beginning another chapter in her journey as a changemaker in global education. And for countless learners, teachers, and communities across continents, that sunrise she’s chasing lights the way.
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Follow Dr. Mary Ashun:
- Facebook: @Mary Asabea Ashun
- LinkedIn: @Mary Apea Ashun PhD
