Stories and facts

Raphael Ernest Grail Armattoe was a Ghanaian scientist, physician, writer, and political activist, famously nominated for the 1948 Nobel Peace Prize.

Known as the “Irishman from West Africa” by the New York Post and the “African Paracelsus” by BBC producer Henry Swanzy, Armattoe’s life blended science, literature, and activism.

Born in Keta, Gold Coast, he studied across Togoland, Germany, and France, mastering several European languages alongside his native Ewe.

A trained physician, he worked in Northern Ireland during World War II, founded the Lomeshie Research Centre, and developed the Abochi drug, later adopted by a Nigerian pharmaceutical company.

Returning to West Africa, he opened a clinic in Kumasi, conducted research on Ewe anthropology, and published poetry.

Politically, he championed Ewe unification and addressed the United Nations in 1953 on the “Eweland Question.”

Armattoe passed away in Hamburg in 1953, reportedly poisoned. His gravestone reads “Africa’s Greatest Nationalist”, and a blue plaque in Derry honours his remarkable contributions.

Explore the remarkable life of Raphael Armattoe in the timeline below.