The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has conferred awards on nine eminent individuals and two corporate organisations at the climax of the 59th Congregation ceremony. The ceremony celebrated extraordinary individuals whose contributions had transformed diverse fields of biotechnology, engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, publishing and veterinary sciences.
Management of the KNUST conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science on Dr. Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu for her groundbreaking innovation. As a biomedical engineer and global health AI research lead at Google Research, her work, Callascope, a low-cost, user-friendly imaging device for cervical self-screening has provided billions of women renewed hope and control over their health. This has earned her numerous global awards, including the Emerging Leader in Global Health and the CUGH Wasserheit Young Gender Global Health Award. Dr. Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu was the lecturer for the 13th R.P. Baffour Memorial Lectures.
Similarly, Kwabena Amponsah, a pioneering figure in Ghana’s publishing sector, received the Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for decades of service to education and literacy. He published textbooks that aligned with the WAEC syllabus and provided extensive community empowerment initiatives. His contributions have benefited libraries, schools and over hundreds of young people who have grown to become productive citizens.
An Agricultural Economist, Diplomat, and Statesman, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, has been honoured with the Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for shaping national policy by representing Africa in high-level United Nation roles. Honourable Owusu-Agyemang made contributions through the Hackman Foundation and KNUST Alumni Endowment Fund.
In the field of pharmaceutical sciences, Professor Johnson Kwaku Kwakye was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for pioneering the Doctor of Pharmacy program in Ghana. He established the MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis program and has trained generations of quality-control experts.
A renowned agriculturalist and business leader, Daniel Fahene Acquaaye also received a Honorary Doctor of Science for shaping Agri-sector initiatives across more than thirty countries and providing critical equipment to the Faculty of Pharmaceuticals at KNUST.
For providing technical support to major international institutions and for developing the Gas Interchange Master Plan for Ghana as well as enhancing KNUST’s engineering facilities, Dr. Benjamin Kwaku Asante, a certified oil and gas engineer, has been conferred a Honorary Doctor of Science for his work in project management.
Recognising contributions in veterinary medicine, Dr. Andrews Quaarcoporne, a veterinarian and philanthropist, has received the title of Distinguished Fellow for his pivotal role in establishing the School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr Quaarcoporne supported the White Coat Ceremony, funded student awards and sponsored anti-rabies outreach programs in KNUST.
Professor Francis Boakye, emeritus professor of solid-state physics and founding member of the Ghana Institute of Physics, was honoured with the title of Distinguished Service for his lifelong academic contributions. He established the first postgraduate diploma in Optometry in Ghana and built the Department of Optometry and Visual Science.
Professor Victoria Pearl Dogbefia, a distinguished professor of biochemistry, has also been awarded the title of Distinguished Professor for her pioneering research. Her establishment of the first PhD programme in Biochemistry and Food Science, and the creation of the Clinical Analysis Laboratory (CAN Lab).
The University also recognised two corporate organisations for their exceptional support. Sysmex West and Central Africa received Special Recognition for donating state-of-the-art medical diagnostic equipment worth €150,000. The organisation continues to support mentorship initiatives, and the TECH Alumni Homecoming.
Volta River Authority (VRA) has also been conferred a Corporate Award for its contributions to the College of Engineering. The company has provided hands-on learning, laboratory and renovations. They also establishing a US$900,000 research chain in energy systems, and donated GH¢2 million to the KNUST Endowment Fund.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Hon. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University Council, Academic Board, and stakeholders. He noted that being honoured by a university signifies that one has, in some measure, whether small or substantial way, made a meaningful impact on humanity. “Receiving an honour is not merely an acknowledgement of past contributions. It is a solemn and compelling call to deepen our service to society,” he said.