Meet Prof. J.H. Amuasi (Medical Physicist) – Biography, Education, Leadership, Career, Research, Publications and Awards

Professional Biography and Career Profile of Professor J. H. Amuasi

Professional Background and Career History of Professor J. H. Amuasi

Professor J. H. Amuasi joined the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in December 1974, beginning a distinguished career in nuclear science, medical physics, research, administration, and academic leadership.

His professional journey has spanned several decades, during which he has contributed significantly to the development of nuclear science and its peaceful applications in Ghana and internationally.

Academic and Professional Training of Professor J. H. Amuasi

Between 1976 and 1981, Professor Amuasi received specialised professional training in Radiation Physics and Medical Physics at:

• Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom.
• Middlesex Hospital Medical School, University of London, United Kingdom.

Following his training, he returned to Ghana to contribute his expertise to the development of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy and medical physics.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Engagements

Professor Amuasi served as Co-National Counterpart for three major IAEA Technical Cooperation Projects:

• GHA/6/007 (1982–1992): Nuclear Medicine.
• GHA/6/008 (1991–1994): Nuclear Medicine.
• GHA/6/009 (1994–2003): Radiotherapy/Nuclear Medicine.

Through these projects, he participated in several IAEA training courses, workshops, seminars, symposia, conferences and scientific visits, collaborating with international experts and technical officers.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Institutional Development and National Contributions

Professor Amuasi played a significant role in implementing IAEA-assisted programmes in Research Reactor Utilisation, Gamma Irradiation, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiotherapy.

His organisational, managerial, technical and leadership contributions supported the establishment of several important national institutions, including:

• Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) Centre: Established at GAEC in 1995.
• Radiation Technology Centre (RTC): Established at GAEC in 1995.
• National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra: Established in 1998.
• National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi: Established in 2003.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s International Professional Experience and Consultancy

Since 1990, Professor Amuasi has served as an IAEA Expert and Consultant in Nuclear Medicine.

His international assignments and professional engagements have included:

• Uganda (1990 and 1992)
• Tanzania (1991 and 2001)
• Tunisia (1992)
• Sierra Leone (1992)
• Senegal (1993 and 1995)
• Zambia (1993 and 1998)
• Vienna, Austria (2003 and 2013)
• Libya (2007)

He has also participated in IAEA Consultants’ Meetings, Technical Working Group Meetings and Task Force Meetings in Vienna, South Africa, Namibia, Pakistan and Madagascar. He has served as rapporteur at several international meetings.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Executive Leadership and Public Administration

Professor Amuasi served as Chief Executive of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) as Secretary, Executive Secretary, and Director-General from 1993 to 2003, beginning in an acting capacity.

He retired statutorily in 2006 after an accomplished period of institutional leadership and public service.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Academic Leadership and University Administration

Following his retirement from GAEC, Professor Amuasi was re-engaged on contract to serve as the first Dean/Director of the newly established Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) from 2006 to 2011.

His leadership contributed to the development of postgraduate education and specialised training in nuclear and allied sciences in Ghana.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Teaching, Research and Academic Supervision

From 2006 to 2016, Professor Amuasi served as a full-time lecturer and academic supervisor at the Medical Physics Department of the School.

His responsibilities included:

• Teaching postgraduate students.
• Supervising MPhil and PhD theses.
• Mentoring students in Medical Physics.
• Contributing to academic research and postgraduate training.

Since the 2016/2017 academic year, he has continued these responsibilities in a part-time capacity.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Academic Assessment and External Examination

Professor Amuasi has contributed to academic quality assurance and postgraduate education through his service as:

• Internal and External Examiner of the University of Ghana.
• External Examiner of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Professional Association Leadership

Professor Amuasi has served as President of the Ghana Society for Medical Physics (GSMP) since its establishment in 2011.

His leadership has contributed to the promotion and advancement of Medical Physics as a professional and scientific discipline in Ghana.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Research, Publications and Scholarly Contributions

Professor Amuasi has participated in numerous international conferences, scientific meetings, and symposia on Medical Physics, Atomic Energy, and related fields.

His scholarly contributions include:

• More than 50 publications.
• Author of the History of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
• Contributions to scientific research, knowledge dissemination and professional development in Medical Physics and Nuclear Science.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Awards, Honours and Recognitions

Professor Amuasi has received several awards in recognition of his professional achievements, institutional leadership and contributions to national development.

a. Order of the Volta – Officer (2008)

A Presidential Award in recognition of his contributions to atomic energy matters in Ghana.

b. Meritorious Award (2013)

Presented during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in recognition of his dedicated and selfless efforts towards the advancement of nuclear knowledge and applications in Ghana.

c. Meritorious Award (2015)

In recognition of his effective service on the Governing Council of the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, over several years.

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s Professional Legacy and National Impact

Professor J. H. Amuasi’s distinguished career reflects decades of commitment to scientific advancement, institutional development, academic excellence and international cooperation.

His contributions to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, the Ghana Society for Medical Physics and the wider scientific community have helped strengthen Ghana’s capacity in nuclear science, medical physics, radiotherapy and the peaceful application of atomic energy.

His professional legacy continues through the institutions he helped develop, the professionals he has mentored, and his contributions to the advancement of science and healthcare in Ghana.