The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has appointed Professor Fred Stephen Sarfo, an internationally acclaimed neurologist, physician-scientist, and stroke researcher, as the new Provost of the College of Health Sciences (CHS) for a three-year term spanning August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029. The appointment was approved by the University Council at its 293rd Regular Meeting held on June 18, 2026.
Prior to this appointment, Professor Sarfo served as Vice-Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, where he played a key role in advancing academic excellence, research, and clinical training. A distinguished alumnus of KNUST, Professor Sarfo's academic journey reflects an enduring commitment to excellence and service. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree in 2003 after completing a degree in Human Biology in 2000.
He subsequently pursued specialist training through the West African College of Physicians, becoming a Member in 2008 and a Fellow in 2012. His quest for academic and research excellence led him to earn two doctoral degrees: a PhD from Durham University in the United Kingdom in 2013 and a second PhD from KNUST in 2014. Today, he serves as Professor in the Department of Medicine at KNUST and Senior Physician Specialist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Over the past two decades, Professor Sarfo has established himself as one of Africa's foremost authorities in neurology, stroke prevention, and non-communicable diseases. Since founding the Neurology Clinic at KATH in 2011, he has significantly transformed neurological care delivery for patients across Ghana's middle and northern sectors, providing specialized services to thousands of patients while helping build local capacity in neurological practice. His research portfolio spans infectious diseases, HIV medicine, cardiovascular health, and neurological disorders.
However, he is particularly renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to stroke research, a field in which he has become one of the continent's leading voices. Through extensive collaborations with researchers across Africa, Europe, and North America, he has contributed substantially to understanding stroke risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation outcomes among African populations. Professor Sarfo has authored and co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific publications in some of the world's most prestigious medical journals, including Stroke, Neurology, Lancet Global Health, Brain, Nature Reviews Neurology, Journal of Neurological Sciences, and the International Journal of Stroke. His scholarly work has advanced knowledge in areas such as hypertension, Parkinson's disease, tele-neurology, cardiovascular disease, HIV-related neurological complications, post-stroke rehabilitation, and digital health innovations. Among his most significant contributions is his involvement in the Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN), one of Africa's largest and most influential stroke research collaborations.
Through this initiative, he has helped generate critical evidence on stroke risk factors among Africans and contributed to shaping global understanding of cerebrovascular diseases in populations of African ancestry. A strong advocate for technology-driven healthcare solutions, Professor Sarfo has championed the integration of digital innovations into patient care. His pioneering work in mobile health and telemedicine interventions has demonstrated the potential of technology to improve long-term outcomes for stroke survivors in resource-limited settings.
Through initiatives such as the Phone-Based Intervention under Nurse Guidance after Stroke (PINGS) Study, he has helped develop practical and scalable approaches to improving blood pressure control and reducing recurrent stroke risk among patients in Africa. His exceptional contributions to medicine, research, and education have earned him numerous national and international accolades. These include the Ghana Medical Association's Best Doctor Award in the Specialist Category in 2010, the Best Lecturer in Medicine Award in 2015, the Bruce Schonberg Award for International Neuroepidemiology from the American Academy of Neurology in 2018, and the KNUST Best Senior Member Award for Research and Scholarship in 2018. He also served as a Commissioner for Ghana's Stroke Prevention Initiative under the WHO-Lancet Commission.
Beyond his achievements in research and clinical practice, Professor Sarfo is widely respected for his dedication to mentorship and capacity building. Throughout his career, he has guided and inspired numerous medical students, resident physicians, postgraduate trainees, and early-career researchers, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists in Ghana and beyond. As he assumes leadership of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Sarfo brings a wealth of experience in healthcare delivery, academic administration, research leadership, and international collaboration.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for the College as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for health sciences education, research, innovation, and service in Africa. The College of Health Sciences community warmly congratulates Professor Fred Stephen Sarfo on his appointment and looks forward to his leadership in advancing the College's vision of excellence in health education, research, and healthcare delivery.
