The College of Health Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has honoured outstanding academic staff, students, alumni, and industry partners at its 2025 Excellence Awards Ceremony.

The third edition of the event celebrated excellence in research, teaching, service, and corporate partnership.

It drew faculty, non-teaching staff, alumni, students, and industry collaborators who have contributed to the College’s steady rise as a leader in health sciences education and research in Ghana and Africa.

Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, said the awards were instituted to honour individuals and institutions propelling the College’s achievements.

“We needed to recognise those behind our success in research, teaching, and service the staff, benefactors, and collaborators who keep pushing the college forward,” Prof. Agyare said.
“Even among those already honoured, we see continued excellence as they strive for higher recognition. That spirit keeps the College advancing toward eminence.”

He noted that since taking over as Provost in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College had made remarkable progress.

Professor Samuel Asare Nkansah, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, commended the organisers and urged staff to remain inspired by the evening’s achievements.

“We hope that what we’ve sown in the life of the College and University will continue to grow. Let us all pledge our support for the next edition and continue working hard, knowing that our contributions will be duly recognised,” he said.

Recognising Industry Excellence

The Distinguished Corporate Awards honoured organisations whose contributions have strengthened the College’s research, teaching, and service mandate. Recipients included Sysmex West and Central Africa Limited, Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Mastercard Health Collaborative, Alisa Hotel Limited, Ernest Chemists Limited, the KNUST School of Medical Sciences Class of 2004, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Each organisation was recognised for sustained investment in academic development, infrastructure, and student training within the health sciences.

Honouring Individual Excellence

In the Distinguished Individual Awards category, the College recognised Prof. Tsiri Agbenyega, Dr. Ernest Kwadwo Puni Kwarko, Pharm. Dr. Laud Kemetse, Dr. Andrew Quarcopoome, Alhaji Dr. Abdul Raman Shaban, Mrs. Margaret Karikari, and Dr. Kingsley Agyemang. These individuals were celebrated for their exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and long-term service to the College, their professions, and Ghana’s broader health sector.

Saluting Past Leaders and Administrators

The ceremony also paid tribute to Past officers of the University and the College for their foundational roles in building KNUST’s health education legacy. Among those recognised were Professor John Sefa Ayim, former Vice-Chancellor (1999–2002); Prof. Peter Donkor, Rev. (Prof.) Charles Ansah, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, and Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, all former Pro Vice-Chancellors.

The College also honoured former Provosts including Emeritus Professor Kwame Sarpong, Prof. E. Tsiri Agbenyega, Prof. Peter Donkor, and Prof. Yaw Adu-Sarkodie, as well as Prof. K. A. Danso, who served as Acting Provost.

Past administrative leaders were equally acknowledged. The list included former College Registrars Mr. Solomon Panford, Mr. Simon Yaw Boribah, Mr. Benjamin O. Andoh, Mr. H. H. Akosah, Mr. K. A. Karikari, Mr. Richard Appiah-Nkyi, Esq., and Ms. Lucy Diawuo, Esq.

Former Finance Officers Mr. Johnson Owusu, Mr. George Sarfo, Dr. Acheampong Owusu, Dr. Felix Obeng Boateng, and Dr. Charles Nsiah were also recognised for their financial stewardship and dedication to institutional growth.

The CHS Endowment Fund Donors

Docupro Limited Accra Ghana, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Dr. Herman Addae, and Prof. Joslin Alexei Dogbe were commended for their financial and developmental support to the College.

Celebrating Student Excellence

The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of top-performing students across all faculties and schools within the College.

In the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Antwi-Sarpong Kwaku emerged as the Best Graduating Student in Doctor of Pharmacy, while Amankwaah Faustina received the award for Best Graduating Student in BSc. Herbal Medicine.

From the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kpodo Esther Akorfa Yawo won for BSc. Medical Imaging, Amponsah Lucy Ataa Yaa Asantewaa for BSc. Medical Laboratory Technology, and Ofori Peter Junior for BSc. Physiotherapy and Sports Science.

Within the School of Medical Sciences, the top honours went to Obeng Darko Ferdinand (BSc. Human Biology), Arhin Emmanuella Nana Ahema (MBChB. Medicine and Surgery), and Gyan Yaw Alphonsus (BSc. Physician Assistantship).

The School of Dentistry recognised Afeke Worlanyo Kwame as Best Graduating Student in Bachelor of Dental Surgery, while the School of Nursing and Midwifery honoured Adu-Amankwah Shadrack (BSc. Nursing), Prempeh Eunice Agyemang (BSc. Midwifery), and Yeboah Prince Gyebi (BSc. Nursing – Emergency Nursing).

Gyasi Mensah Nereus from the School of Public Health was named Best Graduating Student in BSc. Disability and Rehabilitation Studies and also received the prestigious award as Overall Best Graduating Student in the College of Health Sciences for 2025.

Darko Kelvin of the School of Veterinary Medicine was named Best Graduating Student in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Recognising Growth and Potential

The Most Improved Student Awards went to Sowatey Lemuel (Herbal Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Adomako Enriquata Agyemang (BSc. Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences), Ntsor Kwasi Kennedy (MBChB, School of Medical Sciences), Akator Alswell Aseyee (BDS, School of Dentistry), Antwi Abigail Birago (BSc. Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery), Adom Antwi Rosemary (BSc. Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Public Health), and Ejorm Rebecca (School of Veterinary Medicine).

Honouring Staff Dedication

The College also celebrated dedicated staff across academic and administrative categories. Prof. (Mrs.) Vivian Estiapa Boamah received the award for Best Mentor (Professorial Rank); Dr. Laud Anthony Wihibeturo Bassing was named Best Senior Member for Service and Innovation; and Prof. Mohammed Mutocheluh received recognition for Research and Sponsorship.

Dr. Benedict Sackey was honoured for Excellence in Teaching, Mr. Joseph Agyemang as Best Senior Member from the Registrar’s Office, and Mr. Kwabena Agyei Junior as Best Senior Member in Finance, Internal Audit, and Procurement. Mrs. Abigail Annor was awarded Best Senior Staff for Administrative Support