Professor Jonathan Quartey’s unwavering dedication to sports physiotherapy has made him a trusted figure among top athletes, national teams, and international sports organizations. Renowned as Ghana’s first sports physiotherapist and the first Associate Professor in Physiotherapy at the University of Ghana, Prof. Quartey’s groundbreaking contributions have reshaped the physiotherapy field in Ghana and influenced practices across Africa.
Serving as Vice-President and later President of the African Region for World Physiotherapy (2010-2020), Prof. Quartey spearheaded efforts to enhance physiotherapy standards across the continent. Today, he continues to inspire as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.
Prof. Quartey’s journey to becoming a leading physiotherapist was marked by determination and resilience. Coming from humble beginnings, he initially pursued medical laboratory technology at the encouragement of his late mother, despite health not being a primary interest. However, a call from Ghana’s Ministry of Health in the late 1990s to address a national shortage of physiotherapists set him on a path that would define his career.
After completing intensive training in the Netherlands, he returned to Ghana in 2003 and joined the Physiotherapy Department at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Recognizing the need for academic credentials to teach, he pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Physiotherapy, specializing in sports and orthopedics, followed by a Master’s in Health Professions Education to deepen his teaching expertise.
In 2008, Prof. Quartey became part of the University of Ghana’s pioneering team to establish physiotherapy education in Ghana. As the first of six individuals identified during his training abroad, he played a vital role in shaping the future of the field in the country.
Prof. Quartey’s academic leadership extends beyond physiotherapy. In 2018, he became the first Head of the Health Professions Education Unit at the College of Health Sciences. Reflecting on the role, he noted, “Being an expert doesn’t make you an automatic teacher. My training in health professions education taught me curriculum development and effective teaching techniques.”
His dedication to sports physiotherapy also led to collaborations with Ghana’s National Sports Authority and the Ghana Football Association, culminating in appointments to junior national football teams, the Black Stars, and, most recently, the Black Galaxies. Prof. Quartey has represented Team Ghana at multiple Commonwealth Games, balancing his academic and clinical expertise with a passion for sports.
Prof. Quartey recalled a pivotal moment in his career during a recent interview with The Mirror. He rehabilitated a footballer with a severe shoulder injury requiring surgery abroad. Despite initial doubts about the player’s return to sports, Prof. Quartey’s tailored rehabilitation plan enabled the athlete to recover fully and excel on the field. “Seeing him back in action was worth every effort,” he said.
Despite opportunities abroad, Prof. Quartey remains committed to Ghana, driven by patriotism and a desire to mentor future physiotherapists. “It was not an easy decision,” he admitted, but his love for his country and profession continues to inspire his work.
Juggling academic, clinical, and family responsibilities has not been without challenges. Reflecting on his longest absence six weeks for an international tournament Prof. Quartey emphasized the sacrifices involved in pursuing excellence.
From mentoring students to advancing healthcare standards, Prof. Jonathan Quartey has left an indelible mark on physiotherapy in Ghana and beyond. His journey exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and a vision to elevate healthcare and sports medicine standards across the continent.