Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson: Pioneering Leadership at KNUST

Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, a distinguished Ghanaian phytochemist, has made significant strides in academia and leadership. As the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), she continues to inspire generations.

Prof. Dickson attended St. Monica’s Secondary School in Mampong-Ashanti for her GCE Ordinary Level examinations. Later, she studied at Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast, where she pursued her GCE Advanced Level examinations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from KNUST in 1994 and went on to acquire an MPharm in pharmacognosy from the same university in 1999. Her quest for knowledge led her to King’s College London, where she obtained her Ph.D. in pharmacology in 2007.

Prof. Dickson began her teaching career at KNUST in 2000 as a lecturer. After pursuing further studies in the UK, she returned to Ghana in 2007 and continued her academic journey at KNUST. In 2009, she was promoted to senior lecturer, and in 2014, she achieved the rank of associate professor. Her dedication to education and research is evident in her various roles, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Notably, she became the 21st Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST in October 2018, making history as the first woman to hold this position.

Prof. Dickson’s research focuses on bioactive natural products derived from Ghanaian plants. Her work spans areas such as:

Anti-infective properties
Wound healing
Anti-inflammatory effects
Antipyretic properties
Antidiabetic potential

She draws from ethnopharmacological knowledge to explore the therapeutic benefits of these natural products.

As the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Dickson leads with vision and determination. Her commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation is evident in her strategic decisions. She serves as a board member of the Pharmacy Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. Prof. Dickson’s leadership fosters an environment of excellence, inclusivity, and progress within the university community.

Prof. Dickson is married to Nana Dickson and is a proud mother of four children. She is a devoted Christian and actively participates in the Grace Baptist Church, Amakom, Kumasi. Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson’s journey from student to Vice-Chancellor exemplifies resilience, dedication, and breaking barriers. Her impact on education, research, and leadership continues to shape KNUST’s legacy.