Skip to main content

Akwasi Sarfo Kantanka

Image
Akwasi Sarfo Kantanka
Profile

I am a Laboratory Technologist at the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine. With a strong academic and practical foundation in science and industrial laboratory technology, I also serve as a laboratory technologist at the institute's Natural Product Laboratory. 

Education

I have a bachelor's degree in science and industrial laboratory technology at the Accra Technical University with a major in Food Analysis and Microbiology. I also hold a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science and Industrial Laboratory Technology from the same institution. 

Work Experience 

Currently, I serve in the Department of Traditional Medicine at the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, where I support research and diagnostics related to medicinal plants, microbiology and the development of natural therapeutics. With specialized interest in microbiology, bioactive compounds and traditional medicine systems, I have contributed to interdisciplinary projects that bridge conventional laboratory science with indigenous healing knowledge. My work also prioritizes safety, quality assurance and innovation in the analysis of herbal and natural products.

Before joining the University of Health and Allied Sciences, I worked as a Laboratory Technologist at the School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, where I supported research and teaching activities. I also served as a Laboratory Technician Assistant at Bloomingdale Medical Centre, where I assisted with routine laboratory work and diagnostics. As part of my training, I completed internships at both Ga-West Municipal Hospital and the Ga-North Municipal Hospital, where I gained practical experience in clinical laboratory procedures and public health diagnostics. 


Research Interests
- Microbiology of Traditional Medicinal Products

- Bioactive Compound Isolation and Analysis

- Integration of Traditional Medicine into Evidence-Based Healthcare

Professional Training & Certifications
- Certified in ISO 17025:2017 Laboratory Management Systems (Alison)

- Certificate in Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Omega Inc./ATU)

- Certificate in First Aid, AEDE and CPR (Alison)

- Certificate in Biomedical Science (Alison)

- Certificate in Common Medical Conditions – HbA1c, Heart Failure, Diabetes (Alison)

- Certificate in GC and GC/MS Theory, Maintenance and Optimization (Agilent Technologies)

- Certificate in Animal Care and Ethical Use in Biomedical Research (Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research- University of Ghana) 

- Certificate in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Agilent Technologies/ MES Equipment)

Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akwasi-sarfo-kantanka-281b832ba/
 

Coordinator
Laboratory Technologist
Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM)
English, British
Senior Staff (Professional)

    Microbiology, Amr, Food Analysis.

    Program
    HND Science Laboratory Technology

    Education Type
    Start Date
    End Date

    Program
    B.TECH Science Laboratory Technology (Food Analysis and Microbiology majors)

    Education Type
    Start Date
    End Date

    Traditional Medicine, Modern Impact: A West African Collaboration.

    Role / Position
    Institutional Representative
    Event Name
    West African Traditional Medicine cooperation and Exchange Centre (WATMEC) Official Launch
    Start Date
    End Date
    Other Relevant Info
    Health Community of West African Association (HCOWA) Summit and Expo Launch 2025

    The Importance Of Traditional Medicine And Modern Science. A Natural And Holistic Approach For Wellbeing.

    Role / Position
    Institutional Representative
    Event Name
    Natural Health and Wellness Expo 2026
    Start Date
    End Date
    Other Relevant Info
    The West Africa Natural Health & Wellness Expo 2026 was officially inaugurated at the Accra International Conference Centre, which brought together international exhibitors, exporters, researchers, regulators, and wellness leaders from Ghana, India, and across the region. This expo highlighted the need to ensure:
    - Scientific validation and research
    - Quality assurance and regulatory compliance
    - Sustainable development of medicinal plant resources
    - Strong Ghana–India collaboration in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).

    Laboratory Animal Care And Ethical Use In Biomedical Research-Noguchi Memorial Institute For Medial Research

    Role / Position
    Participant
    Start Date
    End Date
    Other Relevant Info
    The key learning highlights entailed the following:
    • Ethics, animal welfare and facility management
    • Biosafety in animal facilities
    • Role & function of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
    • Facility management: housing, lighting, ventilation & sanitation
    • Animal identification, handling and restraint techniques
    • Substance administration, blood collection & sample handling
    • Biosafety & occupational health in animal facilities.
    Each session combined theory with practical demonstrations. From mastering humane restraint methods to fine-tuning biosafety protocol.

    Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Operations And Applications From Mes Equipment Limited And Agilent Technologies.

    Role / Position
    Participant
    Start Date
    End Date