Prof. Michael Osei Adu: From Classroom Teacher to Distinguished UCC Agricultural Scientist
Prof. Michael Osei Adu: From Classroom Teacher to Distinguished Agricultural Scientist and UCC Research Leader
A University of Cape Coast professor delivers the inaugural lecture on the importance of plant roots in Africa’s food security.
Prof. Michael Osei Adu, a distinguished agricultural scientist and researcher at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has delivered his inaugural lecture, marking another significant milestone in a career dedicated to agricultural research, academic excellence and the advancement of food security in Africa.
The lecture, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the University of Cape Coast, was delivered under the theme “The Underground Gospel: Roots, the Neglected and the Tuberous Route to Africa’s Food Security.”
The presentation highlighted the importance of plant roots and tuber crops in agricultural productivity, sustainable food systems and the continent’s efforts to strengthen food security.
Prof. Adu currently serves as Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) at the University of Cape Coast, a position he assumed on August 1, 2026.
His academic journey, spanning teaching, agricultural science and international research collaborations, reflects years of commitment to developing innovative solutions to agricultural challenges.
From Tutu Akuapem to Academic Excellence
Born in April 1977, Prof. Adu hails from Tutu Akuapem in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
His educational journey began at Tutu Presbyterian Primary School before continuing to Presbyterian Junior Secondary School. He later completed his secondary education at Nsawam Secondary School in 1994.
In 1998, he obtained a Teachers’ Certificate ‘A’ in Science and Agricultural Science from Presbyterian Training College, Akropong Akuapem.
Following his training, he taught science, agricultural science and mathematics at Aseseeso Presbyterian Junior Secondary School under the Ghana Education Service between 1998 and 2001.
His passion for agriculture and scientific research subsequently took him to the University of Cape Coast, where he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, obtaining First Class Honours.
He further advanced his education at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, earning an MSc in Crop Improvement in 2010 with Distinction. He also received the Overall Best Student Award.
In 2014, he completed his PhD in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Nottingham, with doctoral research conducted at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, Scotland.
His academic achievements also include the Best Student Poster Award at a British Society of Soil Science conference in 2011.
Rising Through the Academic Ranks at UCC
Prof. Adu joined the University of Cape Coast as a lecturer in 2015.
His dedication to teaching, research and academic development saw him progress through the university’s academic ranks, becoming Senior Lecturer in 2017, Associate Professor in 2021 and Professor in 2023.
Over the years, he has received several institutional recognitions, including the Emerging Researcher Award in 2016.
Other honours include the Best College-Level Researcher Award in 2018, Best Evolving Researcher Award in 2020 and Best Evolved Researcher Award in 2022.
He also received an Outstanding Contribution to Research Income Award after being recognised as the university’s third-highest contributor to research income.
His international academic engagements have included visiting and guest appointments at Tohoku University in Japan, the University of the West Indies in Barbados and Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.
Between August 2023 and July 2026, he served as Head of the Department of Crop Science. He also coordinated the A.G. Carson Technology Centre from 2020 to 2023.
Research Contributions to Ghana’s Agricultural Development
One of Prof. Adu’s notable contributions to Ghana’s agricultural sector is his involvement in developing nine registered cassava varieties.
These include five varieties released in 2019 and four yellow-fleshed varieties released in 2024.
The development of improved cassava varieties is particularly important to Ghana, where cassava remains a major staple crop and a significant source of livelihood for farming communities.
He has also contributed to establishing root-system architecture research in Ghana and the wider West African sub-region through innovative approaches to studying plant root development.
His current research interests include breeding programmes in taro, okra and African eggplant, with a focus on developing improved varieties that offer desirable yields and better tolerance to environmental stresses.
These research activities seek to strengthen crop productivity and provide farmers with improved planting materials capable of responding to changing agricultural conditions.
International Research Partnerships and Funding
Prof. Adu has played important roles in international research collaborations involving institutions across Africa, Europe and North America.
He has led or co-led competitive international research grants with a combined consortium value exceeding US$20 million.
His work also includes leadership of the CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment Country-Level Stocktaking Exercise in Ghana and the Taro Improvement and Commercialisation Project, supported through the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Benefit-sharing Fund.
His contributions demonstrate the importance of international research partnerships in addressing agricultural development challenges.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Researchers
Beyond his research achievements, Prof. Adu has made significant contributions to postgraduate education and academic mentorship.
He has supervised more than 15 PhD students and 20 MPhil students while mentoring over 100 students in research ethics, experimental research and scientific publication.
His academic publications include more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, one journal correspondence, four book chapters and eight technical reports.
According to the Google Scholar figures supplied in his profile, as of September 2026, his publications had attracted more than 1,800 citations, with an h-index of 25 and an i10-index of 42.
He has also contributed to curriculum development at UCC, including programmes in MPhil Crop Science, BSc Horticulture and MSc Sustainable Crop Production.
He is a member of the International Society of Root Research and leads its Working Group on Roots in sub-Saharan Africa.
Beyond the University
Outside his academic and professional responsibilities, Prof. Adu enjoys football, badminton, home gardening, acting and music.
He is an ardent supporter of Asante Kotoko, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
He is married to Mrs Georgina Adu (née Siawbea-Akrofi), and they have three children.
He also worships at Ebenezer Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Pedu, Cape Coast, where he serves as Bible Study Coordinator.
A Lecture Focused on Africa’s Food Security Future
His inaugural lecture, The Underground Gospel: Roots, the Neglected and the Tuberous Route to Africa’s Food Security, places renewed attention on a critical but sometimes overlooked aspect of agricultural production.
While discussions about food security often focus on visible parts of crops, such as leaves, stems, fruits and grains, root systems play an equally important role in water and nutrient absorption, plant stability and resilience.
Through his work in crop improvement and root-system research, Prof. Adu continues to contribute to scientific understanding of how improved crops can support agricultural productivity.
His inaugural lecture therefore represents more than a personal academic milestone. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the role of agricultural research, innovation and collaboration in addressing Africa’s food security challenges.
From his early days as a classroom teacher to becoming a professor and research leader, his professional journey demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in education, scientific research and mentorship.
His contributions at the University of Cape Coast and within international research networks place him among the academics working to advance agricultural science and sustainable food production in Ghana and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is Prof. Michael Osei Adu?
He is a professor of crop ecophysiology and improvement at the University of Cape Coast and deputy director of DRIC.
2. When did Prof. Michael Osei Adu deliver his inaugural lecture?
He delivered it on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
3. What was the topic of his inaugural lecture?
The topic was The Underground Gospel: Roots, the Neglected and the Tuberculosis Route to Africa’s Food Security.
4. What are his major agricultural research contributions?
His work includes cassava variety development, root-system architecture research and crop improvement programmes involving taro, okra and African eggplant.
5. How many academic publications has he produced?
His supplied academic profile records more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, alongside book chapters, correspondence and technical reports.
