CSIR-Forestry research Institute of Ghana - Ghana
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Engr. Dr. Prosper Mensah's academic journey began with a focus on technology and education at the University of Education, Kumasi Campus, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Education, achieving first-class honors. His commitment to education was further solidified by a Professional Teacher Certificate from Komenda College of Education. This strong foundation in both technical skills and teaching paved the way for his future contributions to wood science, technology, and vocational training in Ghana.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Mensah is currently a research scientist at the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG), specializing in wood science, non-timber forest products (NTFP), and sustainable materials development. Since 2021, he has been a certified engineer through the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, reflecting his dedication to professional standards in engineering and technology. His career has also included part-time lecturing roles at several Ghanaian institutions, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Akenten Appiah-Menkah University, where he teaches construction and wood technology.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Mensah’s research emphasizes the sustainable utilization and characterization of wood and non-timber forest resources. A key focus has been the study of Theobroma cacao, particularly exploring the cacao stem and pod as alternatives to traditional wood. This research aims to reduce timber overexploitation in Ghana while promoting the efficient use of biomass. Dr. Mensah also investigates particleboard production from agroforest residues like Theobroma cacao, helping create affordable, eco-friendly housing and furniture solutions. His expertise extends to developing green adhesives, establishing trade standards, and contributing to curriculum development through the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment (NaCCA) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Mensah's impact on Ghana's technical and vocational education landscape is considerable. His work on the National Technical Committee on Precision Quality and his role as a project leader for the Bamboo Artefact Production, Research, and Training Centre (BAP-RTC) at CSIR-FORIG underscore his dedication to improving trade standards and educational practices. Internationally, he serves on the advisory board for the Help Start Education Foundation in the USA and is involved with the Geneva Office of Human Rights Education in Ghana, broadening his influence beyond the field of wood science.
🏆Academic Cites
Dr. Mensah’s extensive research and publications on topics such as wood durability, particleboard development, and the utilization of Theobroma cacao in industrial applications have earned him significant academic recognition. In 2021, he received the Director’s Special Award for the Highest Number of Publications at CSIR-FORIG, underscoring his scholarly impact. His work serves as a key resource for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable wood and non-timber materials.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Mensah’s commitment to sustainable resource use and vocational training sets a lasting example. He is passionate about advancing the study of materials like Theobroma cacao to foster ecological solutions for construction and furniture production in Ghana. In the future, he aims to expand research on alternative wood products, thus reducing environmental degradation. Through his mentorship and curriculum development, Dr. Mensah is shaping the next generation of technical and vocational professionals in Ghana.
📝Notable Publication
📝Variation of the Anatomic Characteristics of Anthocleista grandiflora Wood as a Function of Tree Age and Trunk Position
Authors: Dorwu, F.K., Antwi, K., Mensah, P., Pimenta, A.S., de Melo, R.R.
Journal: Nativa
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝Influence of Age and Trunk Positions on Physicomechanical Properties of Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg Wood
Authors: Dorwu, F.K., Mensah, P., Antwi, K., Paula, E.A.O., Rusch, F.
Journal: Revista Materia
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
📝Assessment of the Drying Behaviour of Young and Mature Bambusa vulgaris from Ghana
Authors: Awotwe-Mensah, M., Mitchual, S.J., Appiah-Kubi, E., Mensah, P., Donkor, M.B.
Journal: Advances in Bamboo Science
Year: 2023
Citations: 2
📝Eco-friendly Particleboard Production from Coconut Waste Valorization
Authors: de Souza, M.J.C., de Melo, R.R., Guimarães Junior, J.B., Mensah, P., Rodolfo Junior, F.
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2023
Citations: 9
📝Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity Variations on Bending Strength Properties of Hybrid Eucalyptus Wood in Ghana
Authors: Seidu, H., Németh, R., Wilson Owusu, F., Awotwe-Mensah, M., Felix, B.
Journal: Wood Research
Year: 2023
Citations: 0
📝Technological Properties of Memecylon lateriflorum Wood: A Timber Species from Ghana
Authors: Ohemeng, E., Mensah, P., de Melo, R.R., Seidu, H., Mitchual, S.J.
Journal: Nativa
Year: 2023
Citations: 3
📝Durability and Resistance of Eco-friendly Particleboards Produced from Agroforestry Residues
Authors: Mensah, P., Govina, J., Owusu-Asante, J.O., Pedrosa, T.D., de Melo, R.R.
Journal: Revista Materia
Year: 2023
Citations: 2