Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku PhD

Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku is a distinguished Senior Research Fellow at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, specializing in the molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases. Her primary research is dedicated to understanding the transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), particularly within the West African sub-region. Dr. Asante-Poku employs advanced whole-genome sequencing and other molecular techniques to characterize pathogen strains, identify transmission clusters, and study the evolution of drug resistance. Her work has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and TB control strategies in Ghana. She is also deeply involved in capacity building, training the next generation of African scientists in molecular diagnostics and genomic research, contributing vital knowledge to curb the spread of this persistent global health threat.

Education Details

• PhD in Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan (2014)
• MPhil in Zoology (Applied Parasitology), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana (2005)
• BSc in Zoology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana (2001)

Professional Background

• Senior Research Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana (Present)
• Research Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research / Kitasato University, Japan
• Principal Research Assistant, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research

Achievements

• Royal Society Africa Prize (2023)
• Affiliate Member, The African Academy of Sciences
• Fellow, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career Fellowship
• Recipient, Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for PhD studies

Current Research Projects

Her current research involves using whole-genome sequencing to investigate the transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in urban settings in Ghana. She leads projects on genomic surveillance to provide real-time data for TB control programs and works on the development and evaluation of rapid molecular diagnostic tests for respiratory infections.

Academic Profiles of Dr. Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku

• University Profile 
• ResearchGate
• Google Scholar
• Linkedin
• Sci Profiles

Dr. Asante-Poku has authored numerous publications in high-impact journals focusing on public health and microbiology. Her recent research provides critical insights into the genomic landscape of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in West Africa, detailing transmission patterns and the emergence of drug resistance.

1. Egyir, B., Agbodzi, B., Kyei-Tuffuor, L., ... Asante-Poku, A., et al. (2024). Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: A Retrospective Analysis of Lineage Dynamics and Mutations of Concern from 2020 to 2022. Viruses, 16(5), 762. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050762
2. Boatemaa, L., van der Werf, T. S.,... Asante-Poku, A., & Yeboah-Manu, D. (2024). Performance of an in-house real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Buruli ulcer. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18(3), e0012015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012015
3. Okyere, B., Adu-Anokye, D., ... Asante-Poku, A., & Yeboah-Manu, D. (2023). Drug resistance mutations and transmission dynamics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Ghana as determined by whole-genome sequencing. Nature Communications, 14(1), 6098. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41712-1
4. Yeboah-Manu, D., Aboagye, S. Y., ... Asante-Poku, A., et al. (2023). Improving the quality of tuberculosis diagnostics in Ghana: The role of a national reference laboratory-led mentorship and supervision program. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(9), e0002360. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002360
5. Labiet, S., Oppong, M., ... Asante-Poku, A., et al. (2023). A longitudinal study of Mycobacterium africanum in Ghana. The Lancet Microbe, 4(9), e687-e696. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00155-2

Last Updated on October 11, 2025