College of Science Celebrates Professor Akwasi Acheampong’s Promotion
The College of Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, celebrates the promotion of Professor Akwasi Acheampong of the Department of Chemistry to the rank of Full Professor, recognising his contributions to scientific research, public health, environmental protection, chemistry education, and postgraduate training.
Professor Acheampong, who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies at KNUST, has established a research career focused on applying chemistry to address societal challenges. Since joining the University in June 2006, he has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and contributed significantly to training the next generation of scientists.
He holds two PhD degrees from the University of Paris-Sud in France, now Université Paris-Saclay, and KNUST. He also holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from KNUST and a First-Class Honours BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Coast.
Professor Acheampong’s research spans natural products, pharmaceutical analysis, lipid chemistry, water and food safety, environmental pollution, chemical ecology, and chemistry education.
In natural products research, he investigates the chemical constituents of medicinal plants, fruits, and seeds, examining their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, anthelmintic, and antimicrobial properties. This work contributes to scientific knowledge of Ghana’s medicinal plant resources and supports further investigations into potential therapeutic applications.
His pharmaceutical analysis research focuses on assessing the quality of medicines sold in Ghana against established standards, including those of the British Pharmacopoeia. He also develops analytical methods for testing multi-component pharmaceutical products. This research supports efforts to strengthen medicine quality assurance and protect public health.
In water, food, and environmental safety, Professor Acheampong investigates contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and radionuclides in drinking water, food products, soils, river sediments, and fish. His work provides scientific evidence that can inform environmental monitoring, food safety assessments, and measures to reduce public exposure to harmful substances.
His research in lipid chemistry examines fatty acids and triacylglycerols in vegetable oils, including the development of analytical methods to identify and quantify these compounds. The research seeks to identify plant-based sources of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, with potential relevance to nutrition and food science.
Through chemical ecology, he investigates the chemical signals plants release in response to herbivores, with the long-term aim of developing blends that could be used as biological pesticides. He currently manages the Rothamsted Chemical Ecology project in the Department of Chemistry and is overseeing its completion following the passing of the late Dr. Samuel Osafo Acquaah, his fellow investigator.
Beyond laboratory research, Professor Acheampong is committed to improving chemistry education in Ghana. His work investigates students’ difficulties in understanding chemistry concepts and explores approaches to improving teaching and learning.
He has participated in teacher training at KNUST and contributed to developing the curriculum for the Bachelor of Education in Chemistry Education programme for Senior High School specialism. These efforts support teacher development and strengthen science education.
Professor Acheampong has supervised approximately 150 undergraduate students and 30 postgraduate research projects and theses. He has graduated five PhD students and is currently supervising three doctoral theses. Through this mentorship, he contributes to developing scientific expertise and strengthening Ghana’s research capacity.
Professor Acheampong is a member of the Ghana Science Association, the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom, the Ghana Chemical Society, and the Pan African Chemistry Network. He currently serves as the honorary National President of the Ghana Chemical Society.
He has also served as a reviewer for 30 peer-reviewed journals and undertaken several administrative responsibilities at KNUST, including chairing the KNUST Central Welfare Fund Management Committee and the KNUST Welfare Scheme. His national-level engagements include supporting the migration of Colleges of Education to tertiary status and contributing to the development of a continuous professional development framework for teacher education programmes.
Professor Acheampong’s promotion to Full Professor marks a significant milestone in a career defined by research, teaching, mentorship, and institutional service. His work demonstrates the relevance of chemistry in addressing challenges relating to medicine quality, food and water safety, environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and science education.
For the Department of Chemistry and the College of Science, his achievement reflects a commitment to academic excellence and research that contributes to national development. The College congratulates Professor Akwasi Acheampong on his well-deserved promotion and celebrates his continued contributions to scientific advancement and society.
