Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was established in 1951 as Kumasi College of Technology. It was officially opened on January 22, 1952 with 200 teacher training students transferred from Achimota College. In October 1952, the School of Engineering and the Department of Commerce were established.

In 1953, a Pharmacy Department was established, and a Department of Agriculture was opened to provide courses for the Ministry of Agriculture. A Department of General Studies was also instituted to prepare students for Higher School Certificate Examinations.

In 1957, the School of Architecture, Town Planning and Building was inaugurated, and its first students were admitted in January 1958. As the college expanded, it was decided to make KNUST a purely science and technology institution. In pursuit of this policy, the Teacher Training College was transferred to Winneba Training College and the Commerce Department was transferred to Achimota.

KNUST is now a leading university in Ghana and offers a wide range of courses in science, technology, engineering, and the humanities. It is a major contributor to the economic and social development of Ghana.

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Our Scholars

Photo of Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Obed Ehoneah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Jessica Kumah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Famous Tay

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Meet the Team

Photo of Princess Ruhama Acheampong

, PhD

Liaison Officer, Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Kofi Akohene Mensah

, MSc, PhD

Proessor, Health policy, Management and Economics

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

, MSc, MBA, PhD Candidate

Program Manager, Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Emmanuel Evo Ocran

Finance Manager, Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah

, PhD

Professor, School of Business

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Ellis Owusu-Dabo

, PhD

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Joseph Owusu

, BA, MBA, PhD

Professor, School of Business; Co-Chair, Health Ecosystem Pillar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Arti Singh

, PhD

Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the KNUST School of Public Health

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Health Ecosystem

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Health Financing

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Health Innovation Hub (H2i) @ KNUST

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Leaders in Health: Global Nursing Program

University of Toronto

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MPH/ MSc. in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

University of Toronto

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PhD in Field Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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PhD in Non-Communicable Diseases

University of Toronto

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Research & Innovation

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Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Challenges: Youth-Driven Ventures Transforming Access to Medical Services in Africa

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Challenges: Youth Driven Ventures Transforming Access to Medical Services in Africa”. This session will feature Pauline Gethi, founder of DoctorsLive, and Nomboh Evans Kunchu, founder of Moto, who will share their entrepreneurial journeys and showcase youth-led Health Entrepreneurship Ventures.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day, women Scholars from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology University (KNUST) celebrate the incredible women diligently working within the Health Collaborative to impact lives.

Health in Africa Series – Stinking Toilets, Civilized Users: Towards a Function-Based Indicator of Progress on Sanitation in Informal Settlements

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Stinking Toilets, Civilized Users: Towards a Function-Based Indicator of Progress on Sanitation in Informal Settlements”, presented by Kwame Norvixoxo, a Faculty member, Chair of the Research and Ethics Committee and Project Manager for the African Leadership University Health Collaborative project.

Health in Africa Series: Gold or Health? Ghana’s Environment Under Seige

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Gold or Health? Ghana’s environment under siege”, presented by Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, a Public Health Physician, Consultant Research Scientist, and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

2023 Annual Convening in Cape Town, South Africa

The University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly hosted the inaugural Health Collaborative Convening from October 15th to 17th, 2023, at the scenic Protea Hotel by Marriott, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town, South Africa.

2022 U of T & Africa Summit

In June 2022, the university hosted a two-day summit that brought together representatives from the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, and other organizations to discuss ideas for partnerships that address some of the most important issues facing Africa and Canada.

Profile

Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My most valued experience as a Mastercard Scholar at UofT has been the profound sense of family and community.

It’s a journey filled with thrilling and exciting moments, but it’s the heartfelt love and unwavering support from fellow scholars and the Mastercard administrators that I treasure the most. Knowing that we have each other’s backs, no matter the challenges we face, is truly amazing. This tight-knit community has made my scholar journey unforgettable, and I will forever be grateful for the genuine connections and camaraderie that define our experience here.

Profile

Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My experience as an international student on the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Toronto has been nothing short of transformative.

It has not only provided me with a world-class education but has also opened doors to new horizons and perspectives. I have felt welcomed and embraced by a multicultural community. Interacting with peers from various backgrounds has enriched my cultural awareness and global perspective. It has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, essential skills for our interconnected world. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Profile

Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Nicholas Kofi Adegbe from Ghana. Once doubtful of advancing beyond high school, but my life took a pivotal turn with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2018.

Fast forward after undergraduate degree, I got the life changing opportunity from the scholar’s program again to pursue a masters in Financial Insurance at the University of Toronto. The intricate blend of data science and finance in my program doesn’t just add to my academic knowledge; it serves as a catalyst, setting me on a path to reshape financial frameworks.

Beyond academia, the Scholars program’s leadership training has been transformative. Molding me with virtues of integrity and resilience. Equipped with all the necessary resources, I am empowered to inspire young people to leverage technology to solve problems in Africa. With a world-class education and these foundational lessons, I am poised to drive financial innovation with technology, ensuring a prosperous future for many.

Profile

David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Joining the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program at UofT was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, I was uncertain about my next steps. The transition was demanding, pushing me to find direction and purpose amidst a sea of aspirations. Today, I am extremely grateful for the life-changing opportunity offered by the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program. It has allowed me to pursue my master’s in Financial Insurance, a field that perfectly aligns with my career ambitions. Through this enriching experience, I am building formidable skills and establishing meaningful connections vital for impact and transformation in Africa.

Profile

Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

One of the most enriching experiences was the opportunity to engage in a vibrant and diverse academic community.

The scholarship not only provided financial support but also opened doors to various academic and extracurricular activities that have enhanced my experience at the University. Networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professors allowed me to connect with leading experts in my discipline and gain insights into the latest developments in the field. These interactions were invaluable for both my academic and professional growth.

Profile

Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

In my vision for Africa’s youth, positivity reigns, and ground-breaking ideas are the norm.

I see a future where avenues for talent, knowledge, and skills flourish, particularly in health, education, and energy. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, I’m on the path to becoming a frontline changemaker, contributing to these transformative avenues. The satisfaction lies in collaborating with interdisciplinary, impact-driven individuals united by the goal of uplifting Africa. The Scholar experience goes beyond academics, instilling professionalism, social responsibility, and robust networking. Embarking on my MEng in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Mechanics, and Clinical Engineering Instrumentation, feels like turning dreams into reality. The support and coaching from colleagues, faculty, and administration create a nurturing environment that ensures dreams become tangible achievements.

Profile

Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

I am Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh from Ghana. I graduated from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I was introduced to the broader discipline of Biological Sciences. Following my B.Sc., I served my mandatory National Service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), where my interest in Public Health-related research was stimulated.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, my goal of pursuing further studies has become a reality. I am currently taking an MPH in environmental health at U of T which completely aligns with my long-term career ambition of becoming a professor and a researcher in the field.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mastercard and the University of Toronto for their generosity in admitting and funding my colleagues and me. I haven’t done much with the program yet, but based on the quality of the tuition, it already appears to be highly beneficial. I am convinced that the time I am investing in this program will help me become an innovator in the field of environmental health.

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Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

It is a wider opportunity to be a Mastercard Scholar.

The foundation has made it possible to pursue higher learning and commit to a scholarly life. The enabling environment provided by the Mastercard Foundation has equipped me to face the various challenges that come along with graduate studies. As a Master of Public Health student (Environmental Public Health emphasis) at the University of Toronto, I am a step closer to achieving my academic and career goals of preventing diseases, improving the health of populations and communities, and ensuring sustainability of the environment.

Profile

Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Hello, I am Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Toronto as a scholarship recipient.

I live my life each new day counting the blessing of getting to further my education as a scholar here at UofT where innovation meets passion.

My academic journey so far is thrilling, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with renowned faculty to utilize state-of-the-art technologies in research projects.

I am elated to witness recent advancements in the biomedical field and l can’t wait to see future advancements.

God bless the Mastercard Foundation and God bless the University!

Profile

Obed Ehoneah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Obed Ehoneah, pursuing an Executive Master’s in Health Informatics at the esteemed University of Toronto, courtesy of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. 

This transformative journey has not only nurtured my academic aspirations but also created a second home filled with invaluable support and mentorship. Mastercard Foundation has truly paved the way for my academic and personal growth, leaving no stone unturned in supporting my journey. 

As I immerse myself in the program, I find profound passion in solving complex healthcare challenges. Armed with newfound knowledge, I am eager to drive innovative solutions for pressing health issues in Africa. 

Profile

Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Receiving the scholarship has been a transformative experience for me.

What I value most about it is the access to invaluable information that has made adapting to life as an international student remarkably easy. The constant support I receive from the scholarship program is truly remarkable; it’s as if they anticipate my needs before I even realize them. Moreover, the connections I’ve been able to make through this opportunity have enriched my academic and personal journey. It’s a testament to the scholarship’s commitment to my success, and I am incredibly grateful for the doors it has opened in my life.

Profile

Shadrach Korsah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto and formerly at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, my fundamental experience is that the Scholars Program is full of opportunities – opportunities for personal development, networking, impact and self-actualization.

The exposure has enabled me to develop a better sense of leadership, one that is premised on the values of integrity, service and positive influence.

Profile

Jessica Kumah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My name is Jessica Kumah from Ghana. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program at the University of Toronto, aligns perfectly with my newfound passion for environmental health. Thanks to this scholarship, I am in the process of realizing my purpose, and the MPH-Environmental Health program at the University of Toronto has exceeded my expectations. The comprehensive training that I am receiving has broadened my perspective and equipped me to address environmental health challenges. I am eager to give back to Africa and the world, using my knowledge and skills to tackle global environmental health issues.

Profile

Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My experience as a Mastercard Scholar has been nothing short of exhilarating.

This is in stark contrast to the initial feeling of uncertainty when I was selected. Mastercard has contributed immensely to my integration into my program of study. Every step of the way was carefully guided to prevent any mishaps, and I could not be more grateful.

I am looking forward to completing my Masters in Public Health at the University of Toronto and making great impact in the occupational and environmental health space worldwide.

Profile

Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My name is Isdora Bonaventure Msigwa. A Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Being a Mastercard Foundation scholar in a renowned university has been an enriching experience that allowed me to explore my potential further and reach out for my dreams. As a graduate student, I have had a chance to partake in various programming and events that have enriched both my academic and social knowledge on numerous topics, such as cultural diversities, leadership, and more out-of-the-classroom knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am making the most of this opportunity and look forward to realizing my hopes and dreams for the healthcare sector.

Profile

Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

So far, my experience with the Mastercard Foundation has been phenomenal.

The staff has been incredibly helpful from day one to the present. I felt so welcomed to the city of Toronto; I was chauffeured from Pearson airport to Graduate House, where my room was already prepared with a greeting basket containing amenities for my stay. The organization has ensured that I am fully prepared for academic and social life. I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity.

Profile

Famous Tay

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

The Mastercard Foundation’s visionary commitment to education and leadership has profoundly influenced my journey.

As a Mastercard Scholar, I’m deeply proud to be part of a program that not only champions academic excellence but also emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful, positive impact in the world. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial barriers but has also fostered a culture of service and leadership within me. Through my studies, I’m determined to contribute to solving global challenges and improving accessibility of healthcare. This transformative experience has empowered me to think globally and act locally, making a real difference.

Profile

Princess Ruhama Acheampong, PhD

Liaison Officer, Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Princess Ruhama Acheampong (PhD) is an international scholar and Lecturer at the School of Public Health of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. Princess has a wealth of experience in community mobilization, project coordination and project implementation. 

As a researcher, Princess has worked extensively in the areas of mHealth, malaria, epidemiology, maternal and child health, public health, nutrition, health promotion and gender. Princess has expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research.

Princess has coordinated several exchange programs and is highly interested in collaborative research. She serves as the Liaison Officer for the Health Collaborative, KNUST.

Profile

Kofi Akohene Mensah, MSc, PhD

Proessor, Health policy, Management and Economics

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Kofi Akohene Mensah is an expert in Health Policy and Health Services Management.

His years of experience as a Senior lecturer at the Department of Health Policy, Management and Economics at the School of Public Health has contributed immensely to the successful training of hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Kofi has served as a Head for this Department and is currently the Head for the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety. Prior to joining the University as a lecturer, he was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aniniwah Medical Centre, a 100-bed private hospital in Kumasi, Ghana

Dr. Akohene Mensah has exceptional coordination skills and has led the implementation of several impactful community-based interventions to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. He has collaborated with local and international organizations such Ghana AIDS Commission, USAIDS, DANIDA, UNICEF, CRS, Word Vision Ghana, etc. in HIV/AIDS, child survival, Nutrition, Health care Financing, Non-communicable diseases, etc. These research collaborations have culminated in national policies in maternal, neonatal, child health and health systems strengthening.

Kofi’s ambitious personality and wealth of experience in research and academia has largely been influenced by his education in different parts of the world in varying fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Health Policy, Strategic Leadership, Health Technology, Health Systems Research and Strengthening.

Kofi is passionate about mentoring the next generation through capacity building. He is currently the Pillar Advisory Chair and the coordinator of the health employment pillar of the multi-million Mastercard Higher Education Health Collaborative, KNUST.

Profile

Eva Boakye-Yiadom, MSc, MBA, PhD Candidate

Program Manager, Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Eva Boakye-Yiadom, Project Manager of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Eva has great expertise in administration, audit, accounting, and project management. Eva is a PhD candidate at the KNUST School of Business. She holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance from Christian Service University, Kumasi Ghana, Masters in Business Administration, from the Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom and Bachelor of Management Studies from KNUST.

Profile

Emmanuel Evo Ocran

Finance Manager, Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Emmanuel Ebo Ocran is the Finance Manager of the Health Collaborative.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana and an alumnus of KNUST. He is currently a Senior Accountant and Head of the University Central Payroll. He has over 16 years of experience in programming of accounting information systems and internet of things (IOT), budgeting and financial management. Emmanuel has served as Head of University Budget. Emmanuel has been engaged (proposal writing, budgeting through to implementation) in all Mastercard Foundation programs at KNUST since 2013 (Scholars Program, Advancing health care in Africa and the E-learning initiatives) as the Finance Manager.

Profile

Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, PhD

Professor, School of Business

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Professor Wilberforce Owusu Ansah is an accomplished researcher, lecturer, trainer and consultant in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Public Policy, Public Health, and Immigrant Entrepreneurship.

He has worked in private, public and not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions throughout the world including Norway, The Netherlands, Ireland and his native Ghana in many and varied capacities. He is a former Head of Department of the Marketing and Corporate Strategy Department and a former Vice Dean of the KNUST School of Business. Professor Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah is the Pillar Lead for Health Entrepreneurship, under the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative.

Profile

Ellis Owusu-Dabo, PhD

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Office of the Vice-Chancellor

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Ellis Owusu-Dabo is a Consultant Public Health Physician, Teacher and Researcher.

As a Professor of Epidemiology and Global Health, his area of expertise is in Medical Epidemiology and applied public health technologies. As a teacher, he has trained undergraduate and postgraduate 2 students, as well as mentored young faculty at both local and international levels.

Ellis is a demonstrable astute university administrator and a research project management consultant. He is highly driven in his research interest area, mainly non-communicable diseases in low-income country settings. He also has considerable interest in population genomics of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Ellis has secured and managed multimillion United States dollar research grants from principal granting institutions such as the European Union, National Institutes of Health (NIH), The World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) as well as many bilateral organisations. He serves on several boards at both local and international levels, and has a massive network of individuals and organisations he works with. Dr Owusu-Dabo has published over 250 research articles in peer-reviewed journals. As Perelman International Scholar of the University of Pensylvannia School of Medicine, his passion is in building capacities of next generation scientists and health systems to help solve Africa’s health problems through scientific research collaborations.

Profile

Joseph Owusu, BA, MBA, PhD

Professor, School of Business; Co-Chair, Health Ecosystem Pillar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Joseph Owusu is the Pillar Lead for Health Ecosystem at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Mastercard Foundation Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative and Academic Programme Coordinator for O. R. Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative in Entrepreneurship and Employability.

He is a Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at KNUST, Ghana. He also serves as the Co-Chair for the Health Ecosystem Pillar Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Technical Committee to develop MSc. Health Entrepreneurship Management for the Health Collaborative. His research has been published in the International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, Journal of Business and Management, Cogent Business and Management, Australian Journal of Business and Management Research, Investment Management and Financial Innovations, and International Journal of Research in Business and Social Sciences. Joseph received his Ph.D. from the University Malaysia Kelantan.

Profile

Arti Singh, PhD

Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the KNUST School of Public Health

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Arti Singh, a public health physician and faculty member at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

Her research areas of interest are non-communicable disease and tobacco control. She is also an advisory committee member on the Health Ecosystem Pillar of the Mastercard Foundation Health Collaborative program.