Kwasi Obiri-Danso

Theoretical and Applied Biology

About

Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso is a Former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi and a Professor in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology. Professor Obiri-Danso is a leading academic with considerable experience in general education, international relations and outreach services delivery, and vast institutional management experience, research management experience and boardroom experience, university teaching, collaborative research, and headship/membership of high profile Boards, Committees and Teams, including the following examples: Chairman, Kumasi Polytechnic Council; Chairman, National Nuclear Research Institute; Member, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission; Member, Implementation Committee for University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Member, Academic Board of KNUST; Member, Executive Committee of KNUST; Member, KNUST Colleges of Science and Health Sciences Appointments and Promotions Committees; Member, KNUST Undergraduate Admissions Committee; Member, KNUST Central Disciplinary Committee; Chairman, Committee of Hall Administrators; Hall Master, Independence Hall. Has specific training and research expertise in Microbiology, in particular Environmental and Food Microbiology. Research interest includes water quality, neglected tropical diseases, infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance and capacity building programs. As a PI or co-Investigator on several collaborative studies funded by reputable funders like MasterCard Foundation, the German Research Council, DANIDA and several others.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

A researcher focused on addressing global health challenges in Ghana has integrated methodologies from social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and human sciences to study infectious diseases, water quality, marine ecosystems, and food safety. The research emphasizes the need for holistic approaches across diverse domains, including public health campaigns, environmental monitoring, microbial metabolism, and sustainable practices, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce environmental risks, and enhance community well-being in Africa.

Research Themes

All Papers

Municipal solid waste characterization and quantification as a measure towards effective waste management in Ghana(2015)

Intertidal sediments as reservoirs for hippurate negative campylobacters, salmonellae and faecal indicators in three EU recognised bathing waters in North West England(2000)

The effects of UVB and temperature on the survival of natural populations and pure cultures of Campylobacter jejuni, Camp. coli, Camp. lari and urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters (UPTC) in surface waters(2001)

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance ofSalmonellaserovars isolated from poultry in Ghana(2016)

Prevalence and characterization of Salmonella among humans in Ghana(2017)

Antibiotic Resistance ofCampylobacterRecovered from Faeces and Carcasses of Healthy Livestock(2017)

The Use of a Combined Bioinformatics Approach to Locate Antibiotic Resistance Genes on Plasmids From Whole Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica Serovars From Humans in Ghana(2018)

Antibiotic Resistance in &lt;i&gt;Campylobacter&lt;/i&gt; Isolated from Patients with Gastroenteritis in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana(2017)

Salmonella enterica in farm environments in the Ashanti Region of Ghana(2023)

The effect of a new sewage treatment plant on faecal indicator numbers, campylobacters and bathing water compliance in Morecambe Bay(1999)

Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in commercial and smallholder farm animals in the Asante Akim North Municipality of Ghana(2022)

Non-typhoidal Salmonella transmission reservoirs in sub-Saharan Africa: a genomic assessment from a One Health perspective(2025)

Antibiotic-Resistant Arcobacter spp. in commercial and smallholder farm animals in Asante Akim North Municipality, Ghana and Korogwe Town Council, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study(2023)

Genomic Insights into the Diversity, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Zoonotic Potential of Campylobacter fetus Across Diverse Hosts and Geographies(2025)

Genomic insights into the diversity, antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic potential of Campylobacter fetus across diverse hosts and geographies(2025)

The impact of climate and land-use changes on the hydrological processes of Owabi catchment from SWAT analysis(2019)

Hydro-Climatic Modelling of an Ungauged Basin in Kumasi, Ghana(2017)

Hydro-Climatic Modelling of an Ungauged Basin in Kumasi, Ghana(2018)

Small-holder farmers’ climate change adaptation practices in the Upper East Region of Ghana(2017)

Application of mosquito repellent coils and associated self-reported health issues in Ghana(2016)

Use of Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis as a viable option in an Integrated Malaria Vector Control Programme in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana(2013)

Clinical epidemiology, determinants, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana; a cross-sectional study(2024)

Estimating malaria transmission risk through surveillance of human–vector interactions in northern Ghana(2023)

Environmental health risks and benefits of the use of mosquito coils as malaria prevention and control strategy(2018)

Distribution and seasonality of microbial indicators and thermophilic campylobacters in two freshwater bathing sites on the River Lune in northwest England(1999)

The microbiological quality of drinking water sold on the streets in Kumasi, Ghana(2003)

Microbiological quality and metal levels in wells and boreholes water in some peri-urban communities in Kumasi, Ghana(2009)

Microbial quality of water in Barekese reservoir and feeder streams in Ghana(2011)

Non-compliance of beaches with the EU directives of bathing water quality: evidence of non-point sources of pollution in Morecambe Bay(1998)

The effect of the time of sampling on the compliance of beaches in the north west UK with the EU directive on bathing water quality.(1999)

Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in Kumasi, Ghana(2016)

Partial indoor residual spraying with pirimiphos-methyl as an effective and cost-saving measure for the control of Anopheles gambiae s.l. in northern Ghana(2021)

Lysinibacillus sphaericus biolarvicide, an efficacious tool in the control of Anopheles gambiae in Kumasi, Ghana(2014)

Aspects of health-related microbiology of the Subin, an urban river in Kumasi, Ghana(2005)

Use of Campylobacter and faecal coliforms to trace sources of pollution on a reservoir. Abstract 29.(1999)

Use of campylobacters to trace the source of faecal pollution in a reservoir.(2001)

Two Novel Arenaviruses Detected in Pygmy Mice, Ghana(2013)

Caenorhabditis elegans, a pluricellular model organism to screen new genes involved in mitochondrial genome maintenance(2010)

Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli from Broilers, Pigs, and Cattle in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana(2021)

Carriage of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli among children in rural Ghana: a cross-sectional study(2023)

Prevalence, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli from Domestic Free-Range Poultry in Agogo, Ghana(2023)

In vitro properties of potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria originating from Ghanaian indigenous fermented milk products(2021)

Profile of resident microbes causing spoilage in “olewonyo”, a locally produced non-alcoholic beverage in Kumasi, Ghana(2016)

Municipal Solid Waste Management in a Low Income Economy Through Biogas and Bioethanol Production(2016)

Land Use and Land Cover Changes in the Owabi Reservoir Catchment, Ghana: Implications for Livelihoods and Management(2019)

Probiotic potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus isolated from West African spontaneously fermented cereal and milk products(2020)

Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa(2022)

Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat(2023)

Municipal Solid Waste Characterisation and Quantification as a measure towards Effective Waste Management in the Takoradi Sub-Metro, Ghana(2020)

Sanitation survey of two urban slum Muslim communities in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana(2012)

Intestinal helminth infection and anaemia during pregnancy: A community based study in Ghana(2010)

Pointed gaps in the provision, quality, patronage and management of toilet facilities in Bawku East District.(2009)

Effect of sunlight, transport and storage vessels on drinking water quality in rural Ghana(2005)

Assessment of contamination of singed hides from cattle and goats by heavy metals in Ghana(2008)

Bacterial contamination of lettuce and associated risk factors at production sites, markets and street food restaurants in urban and peri-urban Kumasi, Ghana(2010)

Microbiological and chemical processes associated with the production of burukutu a traditional beer in Ghana.(2014)

Effect of Agrochemical Use on the Drinking Water Quality of Agogo, a Tomato Growing Community in Ashanti Akim, Ghana(2010)

Sedimentation and sediment core profile of heavy metals in the Owabi reservoir in Ghana(2019)

Microbiological and Sensory Analysis of Imported Fruit Juices in Kumasi, Ghana(2008)

Community engagement in the sustainable management of rivers: Barekese catchment, Kumasi, Ghana(2010)

Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities(2019)

Physico-chemical Assessment of Mosquito Breeding Sites from Selected Mining Communities at the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana.(2012)

Traced Metals and Nutrients in Mosquito Breeding Sites at the Obuasi Municipality of Ashanti Region in Ghana(2012)

Citric Acid Production by Aspergillus Niger on a Corn Cob Solid Substrate using One-factor-at-a-time Optimisation Method(2016)

Helminth Contamination of Lettuce and Associated Risk Factors at Production Sites, Markets and Street Food Vendor Points in Urban and Peri-Urban Kumasi, Ghana(2009)

Campylobacters and faecal indicators in vultures at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana.(2002)

Integrated Biological Treatment and Biogas Production in a Small‐Scale Slaughterhouse in Rural Ghana(2006)

Widespread exposure to infectious bronchitis virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens in the Ga-East district of Accra, Ghana(2018)

Correction: Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities(2019)

Molecular epidemiology and drug susceptibility profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from Northern Ghana(2021)

Molecular epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ghana identifies several uncharacterized bovine spoligotypes and suggests possible zoonotic transmission(2022)

Tuberculosis patients with diabetes co-morbidity experience reduced Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex clearance(2024)

Assessment Of NPK In Human Male And Female Urine For Its Fertilising Potential In Agriculture(2015)

Demographic and socio-economic factors affecting bed net ownership, usage, and malaria transmission among adult patients seeking healthcare in two Ghanaian urban cities(2024)

Burden of respiratory viral infections among inmates of a Ghanaian prison(2019)

Effect of Acid Mine Drainage on Creeks or Streams in a Mining Community in Ghana and Treatment Options(2010)

Acid mine drainage - effect on creeks or streams in a mining community in Ghana and treatment options(2010)

Bacterial diversity in Buruli ulcer lesions in Ghana(2024)

Antimicrobial resistant bacteria isolated from Buruli ulcer lesions in Ghana(2025)

Invasion and spread of the neotropical leafhopper Curtara insularis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) in Africa and North America and the role of high-altitude windborne migration in invasive insects(2024)

Invasion and spread of the neotropical leafhopperCurtara insularis(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Africa and North America and the role of high-altitude windborne migration in invasive insects(2024)

Synergistic assessment of compost quality using a multifaceted approaches and machine learning: A research protocol(2025)

Suitability of high lysine maize, Obatanpa for ‘kenkey’ production(1997)

The Effect of Alpha (+) -Thalassaemia on P. falciparum Malaria Parasitaemia in Children Attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital(2011)

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Ghana: insights from whole-genome sequencing(2021)

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Northern Ghana; Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing(2020)

Groundwater quality, sanitation and vulnerable groups: case study of Bawku East District(2008)

High-Throughput Profiling of the Antibiotic Resistance Gene Transmission in Aquaculture Systems(2021)

Impact of wastewater use on fresh vegetables sold in Kumasi (Ghana).(2003)

Effect of sunlight and carrying receptacles on drinking water treatment.(2004)

Birds, not sewage are the source of campylobacters for Morecambe Bay bathing waters and mussels.(2001)

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF VISITOR PERCEPTION, EBOLA RISK FACTOR, AND WATER QUALITY OF MOLE NATIONAL PARK FOR SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM FUNCTIONS(2020)

Bacterial quality of Ghanaian bottled and plastic bagged drinking water.(2003)

Characterization of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli From Domestic Free-Range Poultry In Agogo, Ghana(2022)

Why do designated bathing waters in Morecambe Bay sometimes fail the EU bathing water directive(1999)

Next-generation sequencing reveals viral aetiologies of encephalitis in Ghana: a prospective cross-sectional study(2025)

Collaboration Network

c68c7bdc-3a7f-42fc-b271-525cfe9da342

Research Collaboration Map

Collaboration Frequency

Less

About This Profile

This profile is generated from publicly available publication metadata and is intended for research discovery purposes. Themes, summaries, and trajectories are inferred computationally and may not capture the full scope of the lecturer's work. For authoritative information, please refer to the official KNUST profile.