Yaw Gyau Akyereko

Profile

Mr. Yaw Gyau Akyereko is Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Food and Postharvest Technology of the Koforidua Technical University, and an External Lecturer at the Kintampo College of Health and Well-Being, in the Bono East region of Ghana. He hails from Wenchi in the Bono region of Ghana and holds Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degrees in Food Science and Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He is currently pursuing his PhD degree in Food Science and Technology at KNUST. Mr. Akyereko has in-depth knowledge in Research Methods, Sensory Evaluation, Food Microbiology, Food Chemistry, Food Processing and Technology, Food Product Development, Traditional Foods, Food Safety, and Quality Assurance, Crop Production, Postharvest Management, Nutrition and Health, Nutrient Metabolism, Biochemistry and Laboratory Analysis. Cumulatively, he has about 5 years of teaching experience. He has a keen interest in social interventional researches in the areas of food safety, product development, nutritional studies, and value addition to underutilized crops, with the prime aim of maximizing utilization of underutilized crops to promote food and nutrition security and job creation.  He is diligent in his career and open for research collaborations.

CURRENT RESEARCH INTEREST

• Production and Characterization of Non-alcoholic Wine from Cashew Apples
• Development and Product Diversification of Underutilized Crops (sesame, cassava)
• Chemistry and Processing of Perishable Crops
• Traditional Foods and Nutrition
• Effects of Processing on Food Nutrients and Glycaemic Index

EDUCATION

• 2019 – Date: PhD. Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
• 2016 – 2018: MPhil. Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
• 2010 – 2014: BSc. Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
• 2006 – 2009: WASSCE Certificate (General Science), Sunyani Senior High School, Ghana
• 2004 – 2006: BECE Certificate, Grace Preparatory School, Wenchi, Ghana

WORK EXPERIENCE – TEACHING

• 2020 – Date: Assistant Lecturer, Koforidua Technical University
• 2019 – Date: Part-time Lecturer, College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo
• 2017 – 2018: Research Assistant, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2017 – 2018: Chemistry and Integrated Science Tutor, Ideal College, Kumasi
• 2014 – 2016: Integrated Science and Chemistry Tutor, Wenchi Senior High School, Wenchi
• 2009 – 2010: Integrated Science/Mathematics Tutor, Grace Preparatory School, Wenchi

 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND LABORATORY WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2020 – Date: Facilitator (Product development involving cashew, tomato, maize, cocoa, and poultry), Okuafo Agribusiness Center (KNUST/ENI), Dormaa-Kyeremasu, Bono Region.
• 2017 – 2018: Research Assistant (Product development and lab analysis), KNUST, Kumasi
• Mar, 2013 – April, 2013: Quality Assurance Officer, Ghana Nut Company Limited, Techiman
• Jan, 2013 – Feb, 2013: Intern on Industrial Attachment (Product development and lab analysis), Food Research Institute, Accra

POSITIONS HELD

• 2021 – Date: Board Member, Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2020 – Date: Board Member, Dept. of Food and Post-harvest Technology, KTU, Koforidua
• 2016 – 2018: Board Member, Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2017 – 2018: Senator, Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2014 – 2015: President, National Service Personnel Association, Wenchi Municipal
• 2012 – 2013: President, Brong Ahafo Students Union, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2011–2014: Organizing Secretary, Association of Food Science and Technology Students, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2011 – 2012: Organizing Secretary, Brong Ahafo Students Union, KNUST, Kumasi
• 2008 – 2009: Protocol Perfect, Sunyani Senior High School
• 2005 – 2006: SRC Secretary, Grace Preparatory School, Wenchi

REFEREED JOURNAL PUBLICATION

Akyereko, Y. G., Wireko-Manu, F.D. and Oduro, I. (2020) ‘Influence of Processing Methods on Food Components and Glycaemic Index of Cassava-based Traditional foods’, Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 8 (1): 6–14. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20200801.12

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION AND PROCEEDINGS

Ganoo, R. K., Akyereko, Y. G., Wireko-Manu, F. D. and Zaukuu, J. L. Z. (2021). ‘Determination Of Tomato Powder Adulteration Using Spectroscopy Coupled With Chemometrics – A Case Study In Greater Accra Region’. Poster presentation at 10^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on ‘Covid-19 Pandemic: Scientific Updates and the Way Forward’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science, College of Health Sciences and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST  held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. April 27-28, 2021. Book of abstracts, p. 28

Oduro, L., Akyereko, Y. G. and Wireko-Manu, F. D. (2021). ‘Comparative Study on Phytochemicals and Nutritional Composition of Fresh and Spoiled Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)’. Poster presentation at 10^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on ‘Covid-19 Pandemic: Scientific Updates and the Way Forward’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science, College of Health Sciences and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST  held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. April 27-28, 2021.  Book of abstracts, p. 59

Danso, A. C., Akyereko, Y. G., Agyemang, L. and Wireko-Manu, F. D. (2020). ‘Development and Characterization of Edible Paste from Sesame Seeds’. Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Bombo, S., Wireko-Manu, F. D., Akyereko, Y. G. and Agyemang, L. (2020). ‘Effect of Different Treatments on the Astringency of Cashew Apple Juice’. Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Amissah, A. E., Akyereko, Y. G., Agyemang, L. and Wireko-Manu, F. D. (2020). ‘Effect of Milling on the Beta-carotene Content of Sweetpotato Flour’. Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Agyin J., Akyereko, Y. G., Agyemang, L. and Wireko-Manu, F. D. (2020). ‘Development and Sensory Evaluation of Cashew Apple Juice Blends’.  Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Akomanin-Mensah, F., Wireko-Manu, F. D., Akyereko, Y. G. and Agyemang, L. (2020). ‘Development and Quality Characterization of Cashew Apple Jam’.  Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Agyemang, L., Akyereko, Y. G. and Wireko-Manu, F. D. (2020). ‘The role of traditional food ingredients in the management of Covid-19’. Poster presentation at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28-29, 2020. Book of abstracts

Akyereko, Y. G., Wireko-Manu, F. D. and Oduro, I. (2018). ‘Influence of Processing Methods on the Glycaemic Index of Cassava-based Traditional foods’. Poster presentation at the 8^th Ghana Science Association Research Seminar and Conference on Using Science, Technology and Innovation to Improve Quality Healthcare Delivery in Ghana held at KNUST, Ghana May 1, 2019. Book of abstracts

ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES, MEETINGS, AND WORKSHOPS

Participant – 10^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on ‘Covid-19 Pandemic: Scientific Updates and the Way Forward’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science, College of Health Sciences and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST  held  at KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana via Zoom webinar. April 27-28, 2021.

Participant – 4 days Higher Education Pedagogy Workshop on Quality Teaching for Quality Learning at the University Level organized by Association of African Universities, via Zoom webinar from 13 – 16^th April, 2021.

Participant – Qualitative Research Training Workshop organized by the Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST held from November 12-14, 2020 at College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi.

Participant – 11^th edition of Cashew Master Training Programme organized by Competitive Cashew Initiative and African Cashew Alliance held from August 3, to September 4, 2020 at Sunyani, Bono region, Ghana.

Presenter – ‘The Role of Traditional Food Ingredients in the Management of Covid-19’ at 9^th GSA Research Seminar and Poster Presentation on Using Science, Technology and Innovation in the Current Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by Ghana Science Association in collaboration with College of Science (KNUST) and National Sports Authority held  at KNUST, Ghana via Zoom webinar. July 28 – 29, 2020.

Participant – Food Safety and Quality Conference organized by Gremkay International LLC and Ghana Quality Organization on “mobilizing Ghanaians to promote food safety and quality for sustainable and healthy Ghana” held via Zoom webinar. June 6 – 7, 2020.

Participant – Workshop on WACCI Hybrid Maize Seed Production organized by West African Centre for Crop Improvement in collaboration with University of Ghana held Koforidua – Ghana, August 18 – 20, 2019.

Participant – 10 days’ workshop on the Production and Marketing of Hybrid Maize Seeds in Ghana organized by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in collaboration with the National Seed Traders Association of Ghana and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture held at KNUST – Kumasi, between April and August, 2019.

Presenter – ‘Influence of Processing Methods on Food Components and Glycaemic Index of Cassava-based Traditional Foods’ at 8^th Ghana Science Association Research Seminar and Poster Presentations on Using Science, Technology and Innovation to Improve Quality Healthcare Delivery in Ghana held at KNUST – Kumasi, Ghana. May 1, 2019.

Participant – 7^th Research Seminar and Poster Presentations of Ghana Science Association on Scientific Research and Innovation: The Driving Wheels of the Sustainable Development Goals held at KNUST – Kumasi, Ghana, April 18, 2018.

Participant – Workshop on Design of Experiment and Sensory Data Analysis for Postgraduate Students – KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. February 20 – 23, 2018.

Participant – Entrepreneurship seminar on Transforming Our Continent through Entrepreneurship organized by Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana – KNUST in collaboration with National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program held at KNUST – Kumasi, Ghana. November 17, 2017.

Participant – Educational Forum on Today’s Graduate: Exploring Numerous Opportunities organized by Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana – KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. October 21, 2017.

Participant – 6^th Ghana Science Association Research Seminar and Poster Presentations on Achieving Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: The Role of Science and Technology held at KNUST – Kumasi, Ghana.  April 12, 2017.

Participant – 5^th Ghana Science Association One day Research Seminar and Poster Presentations on Science and Technology: Key to our National Development, held at Kumasi – Ghana. April, 2016.

 COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAMS

August, 2019: Speaker – Motivation and sharing of personal success story in farming at Okuafo Pa Youth in Agriculture Program organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology held at KNUST – Kumasi, August 12, 2019.

August, 2019 – Date: Facilitator – Market-focused training in agriculture value chains for youth empowerment and job creation in Ghana organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology held at Kyeremasu in the Brong Ahafo Region.

February, 2020 – Date: Member – Food Festival Committee of the Department of Food Science and Technology, for the planning and exhibition of products of the department at the KNUST Food Festival, Kumasi, Ghana.

May, 2012 – July, 2012: Integrated Science Tutor, Roman Catholic Junior High School, Yefiri – Nkoransa, Bono East Region, Ghana.

RESEARCH GRANTS

Award of research grant of Five Thousand Euros (EUR 5,000) by GIZ/ Competitive Cashew Initiative in support of my PhD research: production and characterization of non-alcoholic cashew apple wine.

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODY

Ghana Science Association (GSA)