In a celebration of academic distinction and service to science and society, Professor Christian Agyare has been awarded the Academic Pharmacist of the Year at the Maiden Pharma Excellence Awards organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH). The award acknowledges his exceptional influence in pharmaceutical education, biomedical research, health policy, and mentorship over the past two decades.
Professor Agyare is a globally recognized Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Natural Products at the Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He currently serves as Provost of the College of Health Sciences at KNUST, where he provides academic and administrative leadership across one of the most respected health education institutions in West Africa. His scholarly footprint is vast. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, 14 books and book chapters, and more than 4,300 academic citations, he is ranked among the top researchers both at KNUST and nationally and as a thought leader in pharmaceutical sciences.
Born in Koneyaw, in the Asante-Bekwai Municipality of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Professor Agyare is the fourth and youngest child of his parents. He began his academic journey at Armed Forces Basic Schools, Kumasi, before progressing to Prempeh College. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degrees at KNUST. He later received a Dr. rer. nat. (doctoral degree in natural sciences) from the University of Muenster, Germany, on a DAAD scholarship, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco, and the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Boston.
A Leader in Academia and Health Governance
Since joining KNUST in 2003, Professor Agyare has held several leadership roles, including Head of the Quality Assurance and Planning Office, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a member of the University Academic Board. He has attracted over US$ 7.8 million in research funding from globally respected institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), German Research Foundation (DFG), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
His research collaborations span institutions such as GEOMAR-Biotech in Germany, the University of California San Diego in the USA, and the University of Muenster in Germany. Professor Agyare also serves as an External Examiner and Assessor to numerous universities across Africa, Asia, and South America. In addition, he plays a major role in scientific publishing and peer review, acting as a reviewer for more than 80 international scientific journals and serving on the editorial boards of 35 journals, actively shaping the global research landscape in pharmaceutical sciences.
Fighting Intestinal Parasites with Natural Plant Compounds
One of the most exciting areas of Professor Agyare’s recent work is his research into how natural plant compounds can be used to fight intestinal worm infections—a serious health issue in many parts of Africa and other developing regions.
In a 2024 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, Prof. Agyare and his international collaborators focused on two powerful plant-based compounds: geraniin and procyanidin C1. These are extracted from traditional medicinal plants, Phyllanthus urinaria and Combretum mucronatum, long used in African herbal medicine.
The team set out to investigate whether these plant compounds still work after passing through the human digestive system. Since digestion often breaks down substances, the researchers simulated this process using human gut bacteria. They found that while the original compounds were highly effective at killing parasites like hookworms and whipworms, their strength significantly dropped once digested.
This discovery is crucial: it suggests that how traditional medicines are processed and delivered can impact how well they work. For communities that rely on local plants to treat infections, this research provides a scientific basis for improving traditional therapies—possibly by protecting active ingredients during digestion to retain their full power.
Prof. Agyare’s research not only offers hope for better, low-cost treatments for parasitic diseases but also highlights the value of African medicinal knowledge when backed by modern science. It’s a powerful example of how indigenous practices and academic research can work together to solve real-world health problems.
Recognition, Mentorship, and Impact
Professor Agyare’s impact is not limited to research and governance. He is a passionate mentor who has supervised numerous postgraduate and undergraduate theses. His commitment to nurturing future scientists has helped shape a new generation of pharmaceutical leaders across the continent. He has received several prestigious awards, including the 2016 Best Researcher Award, KNUST and Young African Researcher Award, Award Instituted by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), 2016.
A Life Anchored in Faith, Family, and Service
Beyond academia, Professor Agyare is a devoted Christian and serves as a Leader, Marriage Counsellor, and Chairman of the Finance and Development Committee at Bethel Methodist Church, Kwadaso, Kumasi.
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte Sena Agyare, Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Managing Director of Life Chemist Ltd. Together, they are proud parents of three children, embodying a family life built on faith, purpose, and community service.
What Others Are Saying
“Prof. Agyare exemplifies what it means to be a servant-scholar—he uplifts his students, inspires his peers, and transforms institutions. His mentorship shaped my academic career.”
— Former PhD Student, College of Health Sciences, KNUST
“His passion for African natural products and their relevance to modern medicine is unmatched. He is a rare blend of visionary leadership and scientific brilliance.”
— International Collaborator, University of Muenster
“In boardrooms, classrooms, and laboratories, Prof. Agyare brings integrity, wisdom, and excellence. This award is richly deserved.”
— Senior Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana
Follow His Work
Stay updated with Professor Agyare’s academic contributions and latest research on topics ranging from antimicrobial resistance to natural product pharmacology. His scholarly work continues to influence pharmaceutical research globally and serves as an inspiration for young scientists across Africa.
