Thomas Owusu Mensah (c. 1950 – March 27, 2024) was a renowned Ghanaian chemical engineer and inventor who contributed to the development of fiber optic manufacturing and nanotechnology. He had 14 patents, and was inducted into the US National Academy of Inventors in 2015.
Mensah was born in Kumasi, Ghana in 1950 to J.K. Mensah, a cocoa shipping entrepreneur. Raised in a family deeply involved in commerce, Mensah exhibited exceptional linguistic skills from an early age, becoming fluent in French. He attended Adisadel College in Cape Coast, Ghana, where he excelled in scientific and mathematical disciplines.
Thomas Owusu Mensah pursued his higher education in Chemical Engineering on scholarship from the esteemed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. After graduating with honours in 1974, Mensah was awarded a French government fellowship to further his studies at Montpellier University in France.
During this period, he also participated in a program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning a certificate in Modeling and Simulation of Chemical Processes in 1977. In 1978, he obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Montpelier University.
Thomas Owusu Mensah begun his career as a research engineer at Air Products & Chemicals in 1980. He quickly made his mark transitioning to Corning Glass Works in 1983 and AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1986.
At Corning Glass Works, Mensah revolutionized fibre optics manufacturing with his invention of a faster manufacturing process, significantly increasing production speeds to 20 metres per second by 1985. His expertise at AT&T Bell Laboratories contributed to the development of highly accurate missile guidance systems, showcasing his multidisciplinary talent and impact.
In addition to his groundbreaking inventions, Mensah’s career was characterised by entrepreneurial ventures and extensive academic and board service.
He founded Supercond Technologies, focusing on advanced aerospace materials, and Entertainment Arts Research Inc., a company dedicated to virtual reality and video game design. Mensah’s commitment to education and philanthropy was evident through his service on numerous boards, including the AIChE National Board of Directors and the NASA Space Grant Consortium at Georgia Institute of Technology. He also edited influential book volumes for AIChE and served on the advisory board for Chemical Engineering at MIT.
Mensah’s impact extended beyond industry advancements; his inventions played a crucial role in societal and military contexts. His work made fibre optics a more practical and cost-effective solution for data transmission, while his contributions to military technology, such as fibre optic reels for advanced missile systems during the Gulf War, showcased the breadth of his influence. Mensah’s belief in utilising military technology for civilian use led to the development of super-strong composite materials for everyday products, further demonstrating his commitment to innovation and societal progress.
Mensah’s leadership in designing and commissioning one of the world’s most advanced scalable high vacuum, Radio Frequency sputtering systems for fabricating computer chips and electronic products showcases his continued relevance in cutting-edge technological developments.
His endeavours extended beyond technological innovation to initiatives aimed at improving technology transfer to developing nations and enhancing trade, exemplified by ventures like the African-Ecommerce.Com Corporation and web-based training programs for workforce development in the 21st century.
Throughout his career, Mensah received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his outstanding contributions to science and technology, including the Turner’s Trumpet Award for Fiber Optics Innovation, the Percy L. Julian Award, and the International Business Leadership Award from the African Leadership Magazine.
He was also recognized by prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Inventors, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and Ghana’s National Order of the Volta, cementing his legacy as a pioneering inventor and influential figure in the fields of engineering and science.
Thomas Owusu Mensah’s remarkable journey came to a poignant conclusion on March 27, 2024, at the Catholic Hope Exchange Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.
E.A. Editors
