Omanghana
The University of Energy and Natural Resources has reached a historic milestone with the promotion of Richard Kwasi Bannor to the rank of Full Professor of Agribusiness Management, making him the first individual in Ghana to attain this distinction in the field.
Professor Bannor’s elevation reflects a career defined by strong academic leadership, impactful research, and significant contributions to industry development. Before his promotion, he served as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Agribusiness Management and Consumer Studies at the university, where he played a key role in shaping academic programs and advancing research in the sector.
His scholarly work is extensive, with more than 80 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he holds five international patents registered in Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. His research focuses on digital marketing, food standards, and quality management in agribusiness, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical improvements in the industry.
Beyond academia, Professor Bannor has made notable strides in entrepreneurship and professional development. He founded an agribusiness exporting company in 2010, facilitating trade between Ghana and markets in Europe and Asia. He also serves as the inaugural president of the Ghana Society of Agribusiness Scientists, the country’s first professional body dedicated to the field.
His commitment to mentorship and capacity building has impacted thousands of young people. Through initiatives such as the Kosmos Innovation Centre and the Okuafo Pa Agribusiness Project, he has trained aspiring agripreneurs and extension officers, helping to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural value chain. He has also enhanced his professional qualifications with an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification, reinforcing his expertise in quality standards within the sector.
Professor Bannor earned his PhD in Agribusiness Management from Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University in India in 2015. His professional background includes roles as a Management Information Systems Officer with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and as a consultant for the Ghana Millennium Challenge Account.
His promotion marks a significant achievement for Ghana’s academic and agricultural sectors, highlighting the growing importance of agribusiness as a driver of economic development and innovation.
Source: Omanghana
