The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has conferred honorary doctorate degrees, fellowship awards, distinguished professorships and corporate recognitions at the 59th congregation
The ceremony paid tribute to individuals whose contributions span science and technology, engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, publishing and veterinary medicine fields central to KNUST’s mission of driving development through knowledge.
Among the honourees was US -Based Biomedical Engineer and Senior Scientist Dr. Mercy Nyamewaa Asiedu, whose pioneering work led to the invention of the Callascope, a low-cost, self-administered cervical screening device.
She was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc. Honoris Causa) for her transformative career and her delivery of the 13th R.P. Baffour Memorial Lectures.
Veteran publisher Mr. Kwabena Amponsah received a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. Honoris Causa) for his decades-long commitment to Ghana’s publishing industry and his support for KNUST’s Publishing Studies Programme.
Former minister and alumnus Hon. Hackman Owusu Agyemang was honoured with a DSc. Honoris Causa for his longstanding service to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the KNUST Alumni Association and both national and international development efforts.
Other awardees included Professor Johnson Kwaku Kwakye, celebrated with a DSc. Honoris Causa for his work in pharmacy education and drug quality research and development.
Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, an agricultural development expert, was honoured with a DSc. Honoris Causa for advancing Ghana’s agricultural sector and agricultural education and development at KNUST.
for his contribution to the growth of the College of Engineering and for his numerous engineering and consulting service rendered to KNUST and the nation at large, Dr. Ben K. D. Asante was also recognised with a DSc. Honoris Causa.
The University also recognised excellence beyond academia.
Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Quarcoopome received the Distinguished Fellow Award for his impact on veterinary medicine education in KNUST and practice in Ghana.
Emeritus Professor Francis Boakye received the Distinguished Service Award for decades of service to higher education, international academic collaboration and leadership within KNUST and Ghana’s university system.
Professor Victoria Pearl Dzogbefia was also recognised as a Distinguished University Professor for her exemplary achievements as the first female Professor of the University, and her outstanding contribution to the growth in the field of Biotechnology and Biochemistry education during her over 30 years of service at KNUST.
Two corporate bodies received special recognition.
Sysmex West and Central Africa (SWCA) for its contributions to Ghana’s health sector and support to the university, and the Volta River Authority (VRA) for its significant role in engineering education and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Hon. Hackman Owusu Agyemang described the honours as both a personal milestone and a reminder of the university’s enduring mission to serve society.
“Today, again, it’s not only a celebration of our individual journeys, but a celebration of KNUST’s enduring vision. A vision that believes knowledge must serve humanity, that leadership must uplift communities, and that impact is not an event, but a lifelong responsibility.”
He expressed gratitude to the University for the recognition, saying it deepens their commitment to public service. “Your confidence strengthens our resolve to continue lives of purpose and service,” he noted.
Hon. Owusu Agyemang added that the recognition should be treated as a renewed call to action.
“Receiving an honour is not merely an acknowledgment of past contributions. It is a solemn call to deepen our service to society,” he said. “For if a community honours you, it is because it believes you have more lifting yet to do.”
On behalf of all honourees, he pledged continued support for national development, institutional strengthening and mentorship of future generations, emphasising that giving back remains the truest expression of gratitude.
“KNUST has poured knowledge, discipline and vision into thousands,” he said. “What we return whether mentorship, opportunities or service is what keeps this institution alive from generation to generation.”
Story: Edith Asravor
