Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, an alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, and former Speaker of the 10th SRC Parliament, has received the Fleming Star Award for his exceptional leadership and contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control in Ghana.

Dr. Sasu, who was recognised for outstanding leadership during his graduation in 2019, continues to embody the spirit of excellence and service nurtured at KNUST.

Currently a Fleming Fund Professional Fellow specialising in AMR surveillance in animal health at the National Food Safety Laboratory of the Veterinary Services Department, Dr. Sasu has demonstrated strong technical expertise, teamwork and dedication to advancing Ghana’s AMR surveillance and food safety agenda.

During his fellowship, he played a significant role in achieving the Fleming Fund’s objectives in Ghana. Drawing on his training and experience, he contributed to the national review of Ghana’s integrated AMR surveillance data, supporting the development of evidence-based strategies to address the country’s One Health challenges.

As part of his efforts to strengthen national surveillance systems, Dr. Sasu designed and delivered training sessions on the submission of AMR surveillance data using WHONET, a global software for antimicrobial resistance data management.

The initiative has improved data collection and submission from sentinel sites across Ghana, enhancing the nation’s capacity for timely and accurate AMR reporting.

His commitment also extends beyond the laboratory to community engagement. He has trained abattoir workers in Accra on food safety protocols, focusing on safe meat handling and preventing AMR transmission through the food supply chain. These interventions have helped build a safer and more resilient food system in Ghana.

Dr. Sasu’s leadership is equally evident in coordination and policy work. As a key member of the AMR Coordinating Committee (AMRCC), he has ensured alignment between the fellowship’s collaborative projects and national AMR strategies.

He also served as one of the lead coordinators of the latest cohort of Ghana Fellows, leading the organisation of the Collaborative Project Conference, which brought together stakeholders from government, academia and international development partners.

A representative of the Fleming Fund Fellowship commended his dedication, saying:
“Benjamin’s commitment to advancing AMR surveillance and capacity building in Ghana is commendable. His work contributes meaningfully to national efforts toward safer food systems and effective antimicrobial stewardship.”

Through his mentorship of young professionals and leadership within the One Health ecosystem, Dr. Sasu remains an inspiring force in Ghana’s collective fight against antimicrobial resistance, reflecting KNUST’s enduring impact in producing globally minded professionals dedicated to national and international development.