Rita Akosua Dickson

Rita Akosua Dickson is the richest Ghanaian scientist, with an estimated net worth of $500,000 (estimated).

Rita Akosua Dickson was the first woman to head Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She served as its 12th Vice-Chancellor from 1 August 2020 until her term ended on 31 July 2026, when Professor Christian Agyare took over.

Schooling

She was born on 1 August 1970. She took her O-Levels at St. Monica's in Mampong-Ashanti and her A-Levels at Wesley Girls' High School. At KNUST she earned a pharmacy degree in 1994 and an MPharm in pharmacognosy in 1999, and King's College London awarded her a PhD in pharmacology in 2007.

Academic path

She joined the KNUST staff as a lecturer in 2000, became senior lecturer in 2009 and associate professor in 2014, and led the pharmacy faculty as dean. In September 2018 she became the university's first female Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Her first term as Vice-Chancellor was extended by two years in June 2024. As VC she started SONSOL, a project that gives laptops to needy students. Her research looks at Ghanaian medicinal plants used for infections, wounds, inflammation, fever and diabetes. She has also sat on the Pharmacy Council board.

Family

She is married with four daughters and is a Christian.