I am Akua Konadu Antwi-Agyakwa, a graduate student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST), Ghana, reading MSc. Crop Protection (Entomology). I am but one of the few ladies in my country with strong passion for Agriculture. I am highly motivated with the drive of doing something novel for my country and the world as a whole. For this reason, I seek to develop myself in all ways possible to brighten the corner wherever I find myself.

My current research focuses on evaluating the susceptibility of field populations of cocoa mirids to some Ghana Cocoa Board approved insecticides. The objective of the study is to determine whether cocoa mirids (Sahlbergella singularis Haglund and Distantiella theobroma (Distant) are developing resistance to the currently approved insecticides used for their control.

In my earlier study, I found out that extract from false yam, Icacina senegalensis, controlled the Legume Bud Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti, that affect cowpeas.” In the interim I intend to seek and develop plant extracts (botanicals) to control pests.

As a growing scientist, I am motivated to face the challenge. I love to ask questions and to learn new things. I look forward to taking advantage of opportunities to meet scientists, connect with other Entomologists and work with my supervisors who are seasoned scientists. I believe this will help me build my self-confidence and help me achieve my goals so that I can grow into the person I want to be.

I intend to work as a Lecturer and a Researcher so that I can impact significantly on farmers the knowledge gained. I intend to follow up with a doctoral degree by which time I would have carried out series of relevant experiments, to enable me gather the right arsenal to better the lot of farmers.

At my leisure I love to read books, listen to good music and writing down my life experience into peoms.