Accra: The University of Ghana has promoted Prof (Mrs) Dilys Sefakor MacCarthy, Head of the Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, to the rank of Professor of Plant Nutrition. This significant achievement marks a milestone in her distinguished career and the history of the University.
According to Ghana Web, Prof MacCarthy becomes the first female Professor of Plant Nutrition and the first female Professor within the School of Agriculture, highlighting her dedication, academic excellence, and commitment. Her academic journey, beginning with Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates from Mawuli School, continued with a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1999. She further pursued advanced training at the University of Bonn, Germany, earning an MPhil in Agricultural Science in 2003 and a PhD in Agricultural Science in 2007.
Prof MacCarthy has established herself as a leading scholar in agricultural systems modelling and integrated nutrient management. Her research focuses on improving nutrient use efficiency in cereal-based systems within smallholder farming contexts, assessing climate change risks/impacts, and developing adaptation strategies for West African agriculture. Her influence extends beyond academia, contributing to international research and policy initiatives like the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP).
Recently, she served as Co-convenor of the African Union Technical Working Group on 'Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change for Agri-food Systems,' contributing to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration launched in January 2025. Prof MacCarthy has been recognized for her expertise at international platforms, such as the United Nations General Assembly side event in 2023, discussing 'Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils: Global Solutions for Food Security.' She is also a founding member of the AgMIP Partners Board of Directors.
Prof MacCarthy's contributions extend to scholarly publishing and scientific leadership, with roles on editorial boards of respected journals and as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals. Her success in mobilizing research funding is evident, securing over two million US dollars in grants. Her consultancy and extension services have translated scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers and stakeholders.
Acknowledging her academic journey, Prof MacCarthy expressed gratitude towards mentors, colleagues, and family, including her husband, Korsi MacCarthy, and children. In an interview, she conveyed her excitement about this achievement and its encouragement to the girl child, emphasizing hard work and dedication. She invited friends, family, faculty, and students to a future inaugural lecture celebrating her academic career.
The University of Ghana, School of Agriculture, and the College of Basic and Applied Sciences celebrate this remarkable achievement and anticipate her continued leadership and impact. Ayeeko!