Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen
The North-West University (NWU) in South Africa has honoured Ghanaian health economist, Professor James Avoka Asamani, for his outstanding contribution to public health and research across Africa.
The recognition came during the university’s biennial Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony held in Pretoria. The awards celebrate past students of the university who continue to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Other honourees included veteran South African actor Hans Strydom and World Cup cricket star Tazmin Brits, among several other distinguished personalities.
The university praised the awardees for using their knowledge and experience to shape society positively and for serving as role models for the next generation of leaders.
Speaking after receiving his award, Professor Asamani said the recognition brought back memories of his time at North-West University — especially during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the university’s innovation in learning and research played a major role in helping students and researchers continue their work.
“NWU has not only sharpened my intellect but also shaped my values, my leadership, and my lifelong commitment to public service,” he said.
“The rigorous academic training and mentorship I received at NWU – particularly the impeachable guidance from Prof. Gerda Reitsma and Prof. Christmal Christmals – provided a strong foundation for my professional journey.”
Professor Asamani’s PhD work at North-West University has been central to his career at the World Health Organization (WHO), where he currently leads regional programmes aimed at strengthening Africa’s health workforce.
“The health workforce tool we developed during my PhD has been adopted by WHO and applied in more than 15 countries across Africa and beyond,” he explained.
“It ensures that every community has access to skilled and motivated health workers they need.”
He said the award is not only personal recognition but also a celebration of what North-West University stands for — excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.
“This honour reminds us that the true measure of success lies in how our knowledge transforms lives, strengthens systems, and brings hope to others,” Prof. Asamani added.
He dedicated the award to his family, mentors, colleagues, and the more than five million African health workers who continue to serve their communities despite many challenges.
“May this recognition inspire us all to continue investing in people — the foundation of every nation’s progress,” he said.
Professor Asamani’s achievement adds to the growing list of Ghanaians making a mark on the global stage through education, research, and public service.
