The Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced the promotion of three of its faculty members, recognising their years of dedicated service, scholarly excellence, and sustained contributions to teaching, research, and institutional leadership.

Prof. Jacob Kwaku Agbenorhevi has been promoted to the rank of Professor. An alumnus of KNUST, Prof. Agbenorhevi returned to his alma mater after postgraduate training in the United Kingdom and has since played a central role in the academic and administrative life of the Department.

He currently serves as Head of Department and has previously held several leadership positions, including Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes and Departmental Examinations Officer. His research spans food chemistry, food biopolymers, rheology, product development, and food safety, with a growing focus on the valorisation of underutilised crops.

 Notably, his work on okra pectin as a sustainable emulsifier for chocolate production has attracted international research partnerships and industry interest.

Prof. Herman Erick Lutterodt has been promoted to Associate Professor. With academic training in Ghana and the United States, Prof. Lutterodt brings extensive international experience to KNUST.

His teaching and research interests include food and nutritional chemistry, functional foods, and food quality management systems.

He currently coordinates the MSc Food Quality Management programme and serves as Co-Principal Investigator and Analytical Platforms Lead for the KNUST Center of Excellence under the Periodic Table of Food Initiative, a global programme advancing understanding of food composition for human and planetary health.

His work also extends beyond academia through consultancy support to food industry SMEs on international food safety and quality standards.

Prof. Francis Alemawor has also been promoted to Associate Professor. Prof. Alemawor’s career reflects sustained commitment to teaching, mentorship, and applied research.

Trained at KNUST with additional international exposure as a visiting scholar in the United States, his research covers food chemistry, food microbiology, fermentation, and the bio-valorisation of underutilised agro-residues. He has been actively involved in mentoring students and supporting the Department through committee work and administrative service.

The Department of Food Science and Technology regards these promotions as a recognition of consistent hard work, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to KNUST’s mission.

Collectively, these achievements strengthen the Department’s capacity for teaching, research, and industry engagement, reaffirming its commitment to advancing food science in Ghana and beyond.

The Department congratulates the newly promoted faculty members and looks forward to their continued leadership and scholarly contributions to the University.