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 well-deserved elevation marks a significant milestone not only in her distinguished career but also in the history of the University.
Prof. MacCarthy becomes the first female Professor of Plant Nutrition and the first female Professor within the School of Agriculture, an achievement that underscores her outstanding commitment, dedication, passion and academic excellence.
Prof. MacCarthy’s academic journey reflects a sustained record of discipline and intellectual growth.
She obtained her Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates from Mawuli School in 1991 and 1993, respectively.
She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1999.
Her pursuit of advanced training led her to the University of Bonn, Germany, where she obtained an MPhil in Agricultural Science in 2003 and subsequently a PhD in Agricultural Science in 2007 through the Center for Development Research (ZEF).
These formative years laid a strong foundation for her contributions to plant nutrition, soil fertility, and agronomy.
Over the years, Prof. MacCarthy has built a reputation as a leading scholar in agricultural systems modelling and integrated nutrient management.
She teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, where she is widely respected for her ability to train and mentor students and researchers in Agricultural Systems Simulation and Modelling.
Her research is particularly focused on improving nutrient use efficiency in cereal-based systems within smallholder farming contexts.
Central to her work is the assessment of climate change risks/impacts and the development of adaptation strategies for West African agriculture.
Her influence extends well beyond the classroom and laboratory. Prof. MacCarthy has played key roles in several international research and policy initiatives.
She has contributed extensively to the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) and has collaborated with leading global institutions, including International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICISAT) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
More 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 development of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and the Kampala CAADP Declaration launched in January 2025.
In recognition of her expertise, Prof. MacCarthy has been invited to speak at several high-level international platforms.
Notably, she was an invited pannel discussant at the United Nations General Assembly side event in 2023 on the topic; “Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils: Global Solutions for Food Security.”
She has also been nominated as a founding member of the AgMIP Partners Board of Directors, reflecting her standing within the global scientific community.
Beyond research and policy engagement, she contributes actively to scholarly publishing and scientific leadership. Prof.
MacCarthy serves on the editorial boards of respected journals, including Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, Scientific Reports, CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, and Frontiers in Food Systems.
She is also a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals and continues to serve on scientific committees for international conferences.
Her impact is further demonstrated through her success in mobilizing research funding and supporting capacity development. Prof. MacCarthy has secured over two million US dollars in grants to support research and graduate training.
In addition, she has contributed significantly to agricultural development through consultancy and extension services, both within Ghana and internationally, helping to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers and stakeholders.
This promotion is a fitting recognition of Prof. MacCarthy’s outstanding contributions to agricultural science and her enduring commitment to advancing sustainable, climate-resilient farming systems.
Her work continues to shape policy, strengthen research capacity, and improve livelihoods across the region.
Prof. MacCarthy acknowledged few individuals such as Prof. Samuel Adiku, Prof Ken Nyalemegbe, Prof. Macarius Yangyuoru, staff and research fellows of SIREC, Prof. Paul Vlek, and many international collaborators who have been very instrumental in her academic journey.
Prof. MacCarthy was particularly grateful to her husband Mr. Korsi MacCarthy, children, parents and siblings, for supporting her academic journey. In an interview with Prof. MacCarthy, she indicated that this feat meant so much to her and she was super excited about the milestone, particularly as it encourages the girl child that every dream is possible once hard work and dedication is invested.
She took the opportunity to invite friends, family, faculty and students to a future inaugural lecture where she celebrates the peak of her academic career.
The University of Ghana, School of Agriculture and the College of Basic and Applied Sciences celebrate this remarkable achievement and looks forward to her continued leadership and impact in the years ahead. Ayeeko !!!
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh