KCCR Begins Search for New Director as Prof. Richard Odame Phillips Bows Out 

The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is set to get a new Director as Prof. Richard Odame Phillips ends his tenure.

This was disclosed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace on April 22, 2026, when the KCCR Advisory Board paid a visit led by the outgoing Director.

“Today will be the last time he will come here in his capacity as the Director,” Prof. Phillips said, confirming that processes are underway for the Board to select his successor.

Prof. Phillips used the occasion to express “immense gratitude” to Otumfuo for his counsel, direction, and support throughout his time at the helm of the Centre.

In response, the Asantehene commended Prof. Phillips for his service to KCCR, testifying to his commitment and dedication over the years.

His Majesty added that he expects a similarly competent replacement to lead the Centre as soon as possible.

Otumfuo also underscored the enormous benefits KCCR has brought to the Ashanti Region and Ghana, noting its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty commended key partners, including the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), for their continuous collaboration and urged them to deepen the partnership.

The delegation included other members of the Advisory Board: Prof. Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of KNUST; Prof. Juergen May, Chairman of the BNITM Foundation; Dr Denise Dekker, Chairman of the Committee on Research in the Tropics at BNITM; and Dr Adam Taher Hafez, Director for Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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