All You Need to Know About Asafohene, KNUST’s New Governing Council Chair

Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye, born William Kojo Agyemang-Bonsu, is the Chief of Asafo and Head of the Akwamu Divisional Council.

Born in 1959, William Kojo Agyemang-Bonsu’s early life was steeped in the values of discipline and scholarship.

Education
He attended Konongo-Odumasi Secondary School, excelling in the sciences before entering Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he earned a BSc in Chemistry.

His passion for environmental matters led him to the Norwegian Institute of Technology, where he specialized in Chemical Engineering, a decision that would shape the rest of his professional life.

Career
Upon returning to Ghana, Agyemang-Bonsu joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he played a vital role in shaping Ghana’s environmental policies.

His vision and competence soon found a global platform when he was appointed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu is also the CEO of AB-Hydrogen Ghana Ltd, a company focused on advancing clean energy solutions through hydrogen technology.

Under his leadership, the company aims to contribute to Ghana’s transition to sustainable energy by promoting innovative, low-carbon alternatives in line with global climate goals.

As a Manager for Climate Change, he worked at the intersection of science, diplomacy, and policy, advocating for circular economy models and the transition to clean energy solutions, including hydrogen-based technologies.

Research Works
In addition to his civil service and international work, Agyemang-Bonsu has made significant scholarly contributions.

He has authored and co-authored numerous academic papers focused on sustainable development, climate governance, and multi-sector environmental planning.

One of his notable works includes a paper on empowering local authorities across Africa to engage in meaningful climate action, an effort that speaks to his consistent belief in inclusive, locally-driven development.

Chieftaincy
On December 17, 2020, Agyemang-Bonsu was enstooled as the chief of Asafo in Kumasi.

His leadership philosophy as chief is deeply rooted in service, humility, and a belief that tradition and development must go hand-in-hand.

He has publicly called for stronger partnerships between traditional authorities and religious institutions, viewing both as moral and civic pillars capable of catalyzing community transformation.

Under his leadership, the Asafo Traditional Council has initiated several community-centred programmes, while Akyamfoɔ has personally donated to causes such as educational outreach and church development.

KNUST Governing Council Chair
Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye’s appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council of KNUST is widely seen as a strategic move to integrate ethical leadership, environmental awareness, and cultural sensitivity into institutional governance.

Known for his consensus-building approach and his insistence on evidence-based decision-making, his leadership is expected to foster innovation while remaining grounded in social responsibility.