Notable Alumni

Paul Oppong Kwabena (OPK)
Lecturer, Agricultural Engineering Department, Ho Technical University, Ghana

Paul Oppong Kwabena, affectionately known as OPK in academic circles, hails from Fereso in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. As the first among his siblings to attain a university education, OPK pursued higher studies, earning a master’s and Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Engineering with a specialization in Robotics, Renewable Energy, and Climate Change Issues.

Academic and Professional Achievements

OPK has attended over thirty international academic conferences, winning an impressive tally of eighteen Gold Prizes, one Silver, and one Bronze. Notably, he was honored to attend the 2017 December Conference on Creative Engineering Design (CED) at Yamaguchi University, Japan. His research focuses on Digital Agriculture and Smart Farming Techniques, applying interdisciplinary methods in data fusion, IoT, and machine learning.

Currently, he is a Lecturer and Research Associate at Ho Technical University, where he spearheads studies in innovative agricultural technologies, including JDL and Mivar models, multispectral/hyperspectral imaging, UAV automation, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions for agriculture. His work contributes significantly to the digital revolution in agricultural production.

Smart Agricultural Innovations

📌 Smart Farm
This innovative smart farm integrates IoT-based automation, AI-driven monitoring, and precision agriculture techniques to optimize crop production and resource efficiency.

📌 Self-Propelled Groundnut Cultivator
A groundbreaking mechanized solution designed to enhance efficiency in groundnut farming, reducing labor costs and improving yield.

📌 Weather Drone for Farmers
A cutting-edge UAV system equipped with sensors for real-time weather monitoring, providing crucial data for precision farming and climate resilience.

📌 Rice Disease Detection System
An advanced AI-powered robotic system designed for detecting rice diseases in real time, enhancing early intervention and reducing crop losses.

Contributions and Recognition

As an alumnus of St. James Seminary and SHS (2004 year group), OPK has been instrumental in supporting his alma mater. He played a key role in the construction of a borehole and has overseen the school’s website maintenance and associated charges. His early academic prowess was evident when he, along with Bonye Fidelis, emerged winners of the 2004 Regional Quiz on Horticulture organized by Parks and Gardens.

Research and Publications

OPK has authored and contributed to several high-impact research publications, including:

• “Smart Arduino Sensor Integrated Drone for Weather Indices: Prototype” – exploring climate monitoring through smart drone technology.
• “A Sheathed Virtual Impactor – Microseparator for Improved Separation of Sub- and Supercritical Sized Particles” (Journal of Aerosol Science, 2022)
• “A Comprehensive Review on Non-Active Micro-Pumps for Microfluidic Platforms” (Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 2021)
• “A Rapid Rice Blast Detection and Identification Method Based on Crop Disease Spores’ Diffraction Fingerprint Texture” (Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2020)
• “A Cell Viability Evaluation Method Based on Respiratory Thermodynamic Feature Detected by Microscopic Infrared Thermal Imaging Sensor” (IEEE Sensors Journal, 2020)
• “A Portable Detection Method for Organophosphorus and Carbamates Pesticide Residues Based on Multilayer Paper Chip” (Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2018)

Global Exposure and Projects

Although OPK has engaged in part-time research projects in Australia and China, his primary focus remains on academia and agricultural innovation in Ghana.

With a strong dedication to advancing smart agricultural systems, renewable energy solutions, and climate resilience, OPK continues to contribute significantly to research, education, and community development. His work is shaping the future of precision agriculture in Ghana and beyond.

RESUME
SURNAME: ADU – FRIMPONG
OTHER NAMES: BENEDICT
DATE OF BIRTH: 12th FEBRUARY ….
PLACE OF BIRTH: DORMAA AHENKRO, GHANA
HOME TOWN: Wenchi & Dormaa Ahenkro (BONO Region)
DATE OF ORDINATION: 4th DECEMBER 2004

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
PONTICIA FACOLTA TEOLOGICA, ROME, ITALY, (Doctorate in Theological Anthropology, 2011 – 2014 June. (PhD, STD)
PONTIFICIO ISTITUTO DI SPIRITUALITA, ROME, ITALY (Licentiate Studies in Spiritual Theology, STL: 2008 – 2010)
Peter’s Regional Seminary, Cape Coast, Ghana (Studies in Theological, Sociological & Educational Sciences: 2000-2004)
Paul’s Catholic Seminary (Spiritual, Philosophical and Sociological Studies: 1997-2000)
Theresa’s Seminary, (Amisano) Post-Secondary Education in Preparation for Major Seminary: Sept.1996 – June 1997)
James Seminary and Secondary School, Sunyani (Senior Secondary School Education: Jan. 1993- Dec. 1995)

QUALIFICATION:
Doctorate in Theological Anthropology (PhD, STD), Teresianum, Rome, Italy, June 2014
Licentiate in Spiritual Theology (STL), Teresianum, Rome, Italy, June 2010,
Diploma in Education, University of Cape Coast, May 2004
Diploma in Theology, University of Ghana, Legon, May 2002
West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Exams (Nov/Dec1995)

LANGUAGES SPOKEN:
Twi (Akan) – Mother Tongue
English (Fluent)
Italian (Fluent)
French (B2 Good)
Spanish (B2, Good)
Sign Language
I have working language of Greek and Latin

ADMINISTRATIVE
Formator and Dean of Academics – St. Gregory the Great Provincial Major Seminary, Parkoso – Kumasi Jan 2017……
Weekend Assistant – St. Anthony Catholic Church – Anwomaso, Kumasi
Part Time Lecturer – Dept. of Sociology and Social Work, KNUST (2018-2019)
Parish Priest – St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (Oct 2015 – Dec 2016)– Chiraa, Sunyani
Vocations Director – Catholic Diocese of Sunyani (2015 -2016)
Acting Chaplain – Ghanaian Catholic Community, Bronx, NY – (July -Dec 2014)
Visiting Confessor (Italian, English & Spanish) – Sanctuario di Padre Pio, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Assistant Priest – Parocchia San Filippo Neri – colle Fiorito, Tivoli (Italy) 2011-2012
Interpreter (Twi, English, Italian) African Migrants for Caritas di Roma (2009 -2010)
Assistant Cathedral Administrator – Christ the King Cathedral, Sunyani (Jan 2006 – June 2008)
Assistant Priest – St. Francis de Sales Parish – Dormaa Ahenkro (Jan – Dec 2005)

BOOK PUBLICATION
Adu- Frimpong, B. Priestly Celibacy and Chastity: A Mystery of God’s Gift to Humanity. Kumasi: Graduate Standard Secretarial Services (GS3), 2022.

HOBBIES:
Reading, watching and playing soccer and volleyball, listening to music, writing books and articles.

CORE COMPETENCE
A reliable and dedicated person with the ability to understand and apply new procedures quickly, organize and prioritize duties to meet deadlines and adapt to changes and challenges. Strong analytical skills and have the tendency to maintain a disciplined working environment.

My ability to work under little supervision, being able to work well in a team and my deep sense of integrity coupled with my ability in organizing has always been the key indicator in every sector I am positioned to work.

Napoleon Baafi is an accomplished and innovative mining professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in open-pit mining. Renowned for his leadership, technical expertise, and financial acumen, he has managed mining operations, technical services, projects, safety, health, contracts, and human resources across diverse environments.

As the CEO of Napdel Pharmacy and Migleen Mining Services, Napoleon provides comprehensive mine planning consultancy to local and international mining companies. He holds a BSc and MPhil in Mining Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Ghana. Additionally, he earned an MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK.

Napoleon is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and The West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (WAIMM). His professional certifications include Mine Manager, Mine Superintendent, Mine Captain, and Blasting Certificates of Competency from the Ghana Mineral Commission.

His career began at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited and Gold Quarry, USA, as a Short/Long-Term Planning Engineer. He has since held senior roles at Randgold Resources, Endeavour Mining, Nevsun Resources, and Perseus Mining, excelling in project management, mine planning, and cost optimization.

Napoleon played a pivotal role as Mine Manager at Segilola Resources, Nigeria’s first gold mine, where he oversaw the transition from a greenfield project to operational success. His contributions included life-of-mine planning, infrastructural design, and budget development. Currently, he serves as Chief Mining Engineer at B2Gold’s Fekola Mine in Mali, leading short- and long-range planning as well as drill and blast engineering.

Passionate about mentorship and training, Napoleon has empowered over 150 junior engineers through software training and on-the-job coaching. He has published two papers on open-pit optimization and mine economic evaluation, reflecting his commitment to advancing mining practices.

A devout Catholic, Napoleon is married with five children. With a proven track record in diverse cultural and operational settings, he continues to leverage his technical and managerial expertise to drive innovation, safety, and efficiency in the mining industry