Professors Tagoe, Awandare and Afoakwa Honoured at 2025 Millennium Excellence Awards

Emeritus Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare and Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa have been honoured for their respective contributions to Mathematics and Science Excellence, Natural Sciences and Biomedical research at the 2025 Millennium Excellence Awards held in Kumasi on Friday, May 9, 2025.

They were among a distinguished group of individuals celebrated for their outstanding impact on national development, academic leadership and innovation.

Prof. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, was presented with the Biomedical Finding – Global Excellence Award, in recognition of his significant contributions to biomedical research and scientific leadership across Africa.

During the presentation of the award, the organisers remarked, “We are proud to celebrate your achievements with the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), through which you secured over 40 million dollars in grants for research, training and supporting the work of numerous African scientists.” The citation highlighted his role in building scientific capacity and advancing globally relevant biomedical research.

Emeritus Professor CNB Tagoe, who served as Vice-Chancellor of the University from 2006 to 2010, was also honoured for his contributions to Mathematics and Science Excellence, reflecting decades of academic service and leadership.

Presenting his citation, the organisers stated, “We are proud to celebrate your transformational leadership as former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana. Your advocacy for promoting STEM education and community engagement aimed at nurturing selfless leaders is well celebrated today. Your work has contributed immensely to the broader academic landscape, particularly in Mathematics and Science.”

Also recognised was Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, a former faculty member of the University and current Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GTUC), who was awarded as Laureate of Distinction in Natural Sciences.

The award citation commended his work, stating, “This award recognises your key contributions in the areas of cocoa and chocolate research, food science and nutrition and innovative food processing techniques, which have led to improved food security, economic development, and capacity building.” Prof. Afoakwa’s work continues to receive both local and international acclaim for its impact on agricultural value chains and sustainable development.

The Millennium Excellence Awards, held under the patronage of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, celebrate outstanding individuals whose work has contributed significantly to national development and global progress across various fields, including science, governance, academia, humanitarian service and innovation.