H.E. Tek. Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso (BSc, MPhil, PhD)
Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso is a distinguished Ghanaian academic, scientist, and institutional leader whose journey from student to global ambassador exemplifies the spirit and excellence of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). A proud alumnus of KNUST, Prof. Obiri-Danso holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and an MPhil in Food Microbiology from the University, and earned his PhD in Environmental Microbiology from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to scientific inquiry and academic excellence.
Prof. Obiri-Danso’s academic career began at KNUST in 1987 as a teaching assistant, the first step in a remarkable trajectory that saw him rise through the ranks to become a Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Environmental Health. Over the years, he has served with distinction in many leadership positions within the University, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Dean of the International Programmes Office, and Provost of the College of Science. His interdisciplinary expertise spans general education, research administration, institutional management, and international outreach.
In 2016, Prof. Obiri-Danso was appointed Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, a role he held from August 2016 to July 2020, during which he strengthened the institution’s academic quality, expanded institutional partnerships, enhanced research capacity, and elevated KNUST’s visibility both locally and internationally. His leadership reflected a deep commitment to innovation, governance, and excellence in higher education.
Beyond the campus, Prof. Obiri-Danso has served in numerous high-level governance and advisory roles: he has been Chairman of the Kumasi Polytechnic Council, Chairman of the National Nuclear Research Institute, and Member of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, among others. He has also contributed to national and international research initiatives and collaborations that have attracted support from prominent global funders including the World Health Organization, DANIDA, the MasterCard Foundation, and the World Bank.
In 2025, Professor Obiri-Danso was appointed Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Republic of India, underscoring his stature as a respected academic leader and a bridge between Ghanaian science, education, and international diplomacy. This appointment is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation in education, technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.
A seasoned scholar with over a hundred publications and conference papers to his name, Prof. Obiri-Danso continues to influence the fields of microbiology, environmental health, and research leadership. His journey from a diligent student at KNUST to a global ambassador for Ghana highlights the transformative impact that education, leadership, and service can have on both individuals and society.