In a remarkable journey marked by dedication, service, and visionary leadership, Collins Badu Agyemang has been promoted to Associate Professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Ghana, the youngest scholar in this area of specialty to attain this distinction in the Department of Psychology’s history since 1967. Professor Agyemang was one of 19 senior faculty promoted, as cited by a memorandum dated 9th of February 2026 and signed by the University’s Registrar.
Prof Agyemang, affectionately known as the “Pracademic ABC” for his seamless integration of rigorous research with real-world practice, has become a leading voice in psychology, mental health, leadership, and human resources, and not just in Ghana, but across Africa. As a senior faculty member, he is widely respected for bridging the gap between theory and practice, inspiring students, peers, and professionals alike.
At the University of Ghana, he is the Director of the Pan African Doctoral Academy, where he mentors emerging scholars and shapes the future of doctoral education. He is a Licensed Industrial and Organisational Psychologist and a Chartered Human Resource Practitioner. His influence extends beyond the Department of Psychology; he contributes as cognate staff to several academic units, including the University of Ghana Business School (Organization & Human Resource Management), the Centre for Ageing Studies, the Centre for Urban Management Studies, Computer Science, and Environmental, Occupational and Public Health Sciences (Public Health). Through these roles, he fosters multidisciplinary collaboration and enriches the academic landscape.
A passionate educator, Prof Agyemang has supervised over 100 graduate students and more than 300 undergraduate students, earning admiration for his practical approach and commitment to student success. His classes are distinguished by strong industry engagement. During the 2024/25 academic year, the University community was thrilled when he invited then Black Stars Captain André Ayew to his Sports Psychology class, giving students rare insight into peak performance and mental resilience. Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo and our former head of sports, Gary Al Smith, have all featured in his academic classes.
Beyond academia, Professor Agyemang is an influential professional leader. He led Ghana Psychological Association and supported many interventions in Ghana. He currently serves as Board Chair of MentaPulse Africa, a mental health advocacy platform promoting holistic wellbeing, and as a Board Member of Adansi Travels Limited. He contributes to critical committees of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Practitioners and the Ghana Psychology Council, where he champions ethical practice, professional standards, and mental health awareness across sectors.
Prof Agyemang has been a regular expert on Multimedia on issues of Mental Health, Workplace wellness, and human resource management. His advocacy for holistic health has influenced institutions, workplaces, and communities. He is a corporate psychologist for many private and public agencies. Through public engagements, organisational partnerships, mentorship platforms, and professional forums, he continues to advance conversations around workplace mental health, resilience, productivity, and psychological well-being as pillars of national development.
Earlier in his career, he served at the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA) between 2012 and 2018 as a Lecturer, Departmental Research Officer, and later Faculty of Management Research Officer. He played a pivotal role in strengthening research systems and co-spearheaded the establishment of the ICBMED Conference, now a flagship academic conference of UPSA.
Prof Agyemang’s story resonates because it is authentic. From humble beginnings in Asante Mampong, where he started his education from St. Monica’s Primary through Amaniampong Secondary School and supported himself and his family by selling kenkey from an aluminium pan, his rise to academic distinction stands as a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, and purpose. He has a strong sense of appreciation, and often hails his mum and notable mentors like Emerita Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, for their all-round support in his academic journey.
Loved by students for his practicality and passion, respected by peers for his integrity and insight, and admired by young professionals for his journey, Prof Collins Badu Agyemang exemplifies what is possible when ambition meets service. His life sends a clear message to young people across Ghana and Africa: dream boldly, work relentlessly, remain grounded, humble, impactful, and give back generously.
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