Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Publishing Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has been conferred with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest federal decoration of the Federal Republic of Germany, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to German-Ghanaian academic and socio-economic cooperation.
The honour, presented by the Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Accra, acknowledges Dr. Nyadu-Addo’s more than two decades of leadership in building sustainable partnerships between KNUST and several German universities, research institutions, and development agencies.
Described by the German Embassy as “an extremely important contact person for German-Ghanaian scientific relations,” Dr. Nyadu-Addo has played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening collaborations with institutions including the University of Leipzig, University of Wuppertal, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the Senior Expert Service (SES).
He coordinated several high-profile engagements, including two historic visits to KNUST by former German President Horst Köhler in 2007 and 2011 under the “Brain Gain” initiative. His efforts have since resulted in multiple innovation-driven projects such as the Intelligence for Innovation (iN4iN) network, the African German Entrepreneurship Academy (AGEA), and the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS), programmes that have advanced entrepreneurial education and graduate employability across Africa.
Recognising lifelong service
According to the official citation issued by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Nyadu-Addo “continuously initiates new contacts and associations and generates new ideas to step up German-Ghanaian cooperation, acting voluntarily and with a rare sense of public service.” The citation noted that “all the strings of the multifaceted relations and contacts with Germany are held together by him,” highlighting his role as the intellectual and institutional link between KNUST and German partners.
Dr. Nyadu-Addo’s academic and administrative work at KNUST spans more than 30 years. He is a certified trainer with the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA) in the United States and the founding head of several key innovation structures at KNUST, including the Centre for Business Development (CBD), the Kumasi Business Incubator (KBI), and the Industrial and Professional Relations (IPR) Office. Through these platforms, he has mobilised over 18 million USD in grants and investments for institutional projects
Beyond academia, Dr. Nyadu-Addo’s work has directly impacted entrepreneurship development, small business growth, and youth employment in Ghana and beyond. His leadership in the DAAD-sponsored ACCESS and ACCESS 2.0 projects has made KNUST a continental hub for career enhancement, innovation, and entrepreneurship education.
He previously received the German Ambassador’s Award (2013), the President of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia Award (2024), and KNUST’s Best Senior Member (Service and Innovation) Award (2016).
About the Order of Merit
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) is conferred by the Federal President to individuals whose achievements have contributed to the political, economic, social, or intellectual advancement of Germany and its international partners.
Dr. Nyadu-Addo’s recognition places him among a distinguished list of global citizens who have strengthened Germany’s relations with the world through academic diplomacy, innovation, and public service.
