SUMMARY /BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Joseph Yao Amoah was born on the 16th day of July 1961 and holds a Msc. Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Waganingen Agricultural University in the Netherlands where he presented a thesis on “A model for the Selection of Equipment for Cassava Processing in Ghana”. His area of specialization is Post arvest Machinery Systems Design and Management. His area of Research interest includes prototype design, development and fabrication of agro-industrial machinery systems.

Mr. Amoah works as a Principal Research Scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research where he has been since January 1990 (26 years). He is also currently working as an Engineering Consultant on the Cassava Integrated Enterprise Development Project being sponsored by EDAIF. He has been a Principal Investigator and Team Leader of seven (7) internationally (IWMI, World Bank) and nationally funded projects.

Besides being a Factory Manager of a Pilot Scale Silk Production Demonstration Plant established with funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for five years, Mr. Amoah has also led a team of technicians to install a number of agro-industrial machinery imported into the country or manufactured locally.

Mr. Amoah finds time to lecture at the Departments of Agricultural Engineering and Soil Sciences at the University of Ghana, Legon as a Part-time lecturer since 1997 till date and also supervises undergraduate student’s projects.

Mr. Amoah has attended eleven (11) national and international conferences and workshops and has made presentations in five (5) of them. He has twelve (12) refereed journal papers, two (2) edited conference papers, seven (7) unedited conference papers, and twenty six (26) edited technical reports.

In the area of management, Mr. Amoah is the Head of Engineering Design and Prototyping Division of CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research. He is a member of the Institute’s Internal Management Committee, the Chairman of the Institute’s Estate Committee and Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association. Outside of the institute, Mr. Amoah is an Executive Member of Farm Implements and Tool Network (FITNET) – A Non-Governmental Organization desirous of assisting Small Scale Ghanaian Farmers in the selection and adoption of Farm Implements and Tools. He is also an elder, a lay preacher and a member of the Church Board of the Global Evangelical Church Oyibi in Accra Ghana.

Mr. Amoah is motivated by the desire and passion to see poverty among the rural farmers and dwellers reduced by empowering them through the application of simple technologies geared towards value addition to their farm produce.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

RESEARCH SUMMARY AND INTEREST
Works with other team members to conduct research into Prototype design, Development and fabrication of Small to Medium scale Agro – Industrial Machinery and Equipment as well as development of other Process Technologies for interested clientele on a market driven and demand basis. Key area of interest is agro-industrial machinery systems design and prototyping. Current activities are centered on design and development of post harvest machinery systems for value addition.

PROJECTS/ACHIEVEMENTS/FUNDING AWARDS

• Principal investigator and Project Team leader of a Project on the Design and Construction of a 300-500 kg/hr Fecal Sludge Compost Pelletizing Plant at Nungua Fecal Sludge Treatment Facility – Sponsored by International Water Management Centre (IWMI) in Ghana.
• Principal investigator and Project Team Leader of a Project on Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator: (A Project awarded through AgSSIP Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme and Sponsored by World Bank/Ghana Government between 2003 and 2007). An offshoot of this project titled Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Nuts Cracker and Kernel Shell Separator: was awarded through TDTC Competitive Technology Development and Transfer Center of CSIR and Sponsored by COTVET since October 2014 to date). Key activities conducted included:
• Design of a the Separator Equipment
• Fabrication of Equipment
• Laboratory Test Runs of Equipment
• Field Installation and Test run of Equipment
• Field Training of Operators
• Led a team to design and fabricate a Compost Mixer required for the production of compost pellets from fecal matter in collaboration with International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Ghana.
• Led a team to install and test run a Botanical Extraction plant for the Introduction of Processed Technology for Value Addition of Medicinal Plants [Gluffonia Seeds]. This included the Design of a Cooling Tower required for the Botanical Extraction plant a steam supply line from a Boiler at the Sericulture plant to the Botanical Extraction plant.
• Was the Factory Manager of a Pilot Scale Silk Production Demonstration Plant established with funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture? Activities include:
• Member of the CSIR-IIR team that assisted Consultants in the installation and test run of the plant
• Oversee the production of silk yarns and fabrics at the plant with a staff strength of nine

• Member of the project team that designed and constructed two (2) firewood fired incinerators for the Ellembelle and Jomoro District Hospitals under the sponsorship of KOSMOS ENERGY GHANA (June 2011 – December 2011)

• A member of the project team that undertook the design and construction of two (2) firepots with chimney and repairs of four (4) existing ones for the Serendipalm Company Limited at Asuom in the Kwaebibrim District Dec. 2010 Jan 2011)

• A member of a team that undertook the selection and training of salt producers in the Ketu and Ada districts of Ghana in salt iodization through a project sponsored by UNICEF in Ghana in 2009

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Part time Lecturer University of Ghana, Legon 1997 to date
• Teaches Agricultural Machinery Technology and Post Harvest related courses at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences
• Teaches Agricultural Physics at the College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
• Supervision of Undergraduate Student Project/Long Essays

• Other Key tasks performed include:
• Member of a team of Consultants working on the Selection of Equipment for the production High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) for cassava farmers in the rural areas of Ghana
• Member of a National Task force on High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) set up under the Roots and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme to recommend drying systems for adoption for HQCF production in Ghana in 2012
• Organization of Small and Medium Scale Equipment and Machinery fabricators for the Building Industry in Ghana

• Served on the Following Committees
• Member of National Committee on Sericulture in Ghana form 2010 to date
• Member of the Natural Resources Management Programme Coordinating Committee of AgSSIP from 2003 to 2005
• -Member of National Committee to Review Existing Agricultural Mechanization Policy in Ghana. October 1998 - December, 1999 for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture
• Member of a National Sub Committee to Review Fabrication of Agricultural Machineries in Ghana March 1999
• Member- Technical Committee to Prepare Pre-feasibility  report on the establishment of a Plastic waste recycling plant in Ghana- for MEST-Oct. 1996
• Membership of Associations
• Member of Ghana Science Association - May 1991 to date.
• Member of Ghana Society of Agricultural Engineers - July, 1999 to date.
• Member of a National Task force on High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) set up under the Roots and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme to recommend drying systems for adoption for HQCF production in Ghana in 2012
• Member of an Assessment team to undertake Assessment and Evaluation of CAD Drawings of component parts of a 20-ton per hour capacity palm fruit processing plant prepared by KNUST and GRATIS Foundation under the Oil Palm Value Chain Project sponsored by the Government of Ghana from 2006 to 2008
• Leader of a Consultancy Team – Preparatory Field Studies for Establishment of a Pilot Small Scale Tomato Processing Plant in the Upper East Region of Ghana – (Client: AgSSIP of MoFA; 2003.
• A member of a team that evaluated the performance of a ram pump installed at Kwabenya on behalf of DAPIT in 1996
• A Member of Consultancy Team – Pre-Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Plastic Waste Recycling Plant in Ghana (Client: Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology [1996]
• Member of the team that designed fabricated and installed equipment and machinery for CSIR - Food Research Institute. at Pokuase Cassava Processing Unit sponsored by the African Regional Centre for Technology (ARCT)
• Conducted a Survey of Small Scale Metal Working Enterprises in Madina –Accra 1996
• A member of a team that designed a cocoa pod Ashing Kiln in collaboration with GRATIS Foundation 1996
• Supervision of National Service Personnel and tertiary students posted on industrial attachment

• Head of Division: Has been head of Engineering Design and Prototyping October 2015 till date
• Head of Programme: Has been head of Materials and Manufacturing Programme from July 2010 to September 2015
• Head of Division: Acted as Head of Agricultural Machinery Research Division 17th March 1997 – 3rd February 1998.
• Factory Manager: Sericulture Pilot Plant June 2004 to 2013. Factory Manager of a Pilot Scale Silk Production Demonstration Plant established with funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Activities include:
• Member of the CSIR-IIR team that assisted Indian Consultants in the installation and test run of the plant
• Oversee the production of silk yarns and fabrics at the plant with a staff strength of nine.

• Internal Management Committee: A member of the CSIR-IIR Internal Management Committee representing from January 2007 to date.
• Estate Management Committee: Chairman of the CSIR-IIR Estate Management Committee from 2009 to date
CSIR-IIR Welfare
• Vice Chairman CSIR-IIR Welfare Union January 2003 -  January 2008
• Chairman of CSIR-IIR Welfare Union from February 2008 to date
CSIR Research Staff Association
• President, CSIR-IIR branch  of RSA, 1995 to 1999
• Southern Sector Secretary of RSA 2000 to 2002
• National Vice Secretary of RSA 2003 to 2005
• Executive Member of Farm Implements and Tool Network (FITNET) – A Non-Governmental Organization desirous of assisting Small Scale Ghanaian Farmers in the selection and adoption of Farm Implements and Tools.

PUBLICATIONS

• J. Y. Amoah, F. Djokoto, A. deGraft, I. Abdulai, P. Dzamboe, G. Selormey: Design and development of a prototype laboratory scale fecal sludge compost pellet making machine; International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences (IJRAS), Vol-2 Issue -4, July 2015
• J. Amoah, K. Akufo-kumi, W. O. Oduro, R. Naa Norkor Baddoo, M. A. B. Animpong, C. Odum (2014)-  Evaluation of Some Physical Characteristics of Mulberry Cocoons Produced in Ghana. International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences. Vol 1, Issue 5, ISSN (Online) : 2348 – 3997)
• K. Akufo-Kumi, G. N. Laryea, H. A. Obiri, J. Y. Amoah, W. O. Oduro, and G. Boafo-Mensah (2014) - Design, Construction and Test Operation of a Thermal Incinerator for Medical Waste at Abokobi Health Center, Ghana. Journal of Applied Science and Technology (JAST), Vol. 19, Nos. 1 & 2, 2014
• J. Y. Amoah, F. K. Dzokoto, E. B. Sabi, D. Acquaye (2013) – The Potential of Ram Pumps for Rural Water Supply and Small Scale Irrigation in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science Vol 53.
• J .Y. Amoah, M. Aggey, R. J. Bani, and H. A. Obiri: Modelling Profitable Operations in Gari Production (2009): Journal of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Ecology. Volume 2; Number 3; October 2009.295-312,ISSN 2006-3938
• R. J. Bani, J. Amoah, E. Y. Kra, M. Aggey: Prediction of Surface Area of Garden Eggs from weight measurements: Agricultural Mechanization in Asia Africa and Latin America; Volume 40 Number 4, 2009
• M. Aggey, J. Y. Amoah, S. Annumu (2007)- Throughput Rates of Small Scale palm nut crackers used in Ghana. Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Vol. 12 Nos. 1&2;
• J. Y Amoah, M, Aggey, S. Annumu (2007) - Cracked Mixture Sieving Rates and Efficiencies in small-scale palm nut processing in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science Vol. 47
• M. Aggey, Y. Amoah and R. J. Bani (2007)- The Market Factor in the Processing of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Ghana. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol. 5 (3&4
• Amoah J. Y, Aggey M, Obiri H. A (2005)- A computer Model to select optimum combination of Traditional and Mechanized Operations in Gari Production; Post Harvest Forum No. 5;
• H. A. Obiri, P.D Dzamboe, J. Y. Amoah, K. Akufo-Kumi and D. M.B Tetteh (2004) – Survey on Corrosion Management in Selected Industries in Ghana, Journal of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Vol.2. No.2,
• Amoah J. Y and Aggey M (2004) - Processing of Newly Introduced varieties of Cassava into flour: Prospects and Implications; Post Harvest Forum No. 4;  

• G. Selomey, J. Y. Amoah, M. Aggey (2006): Diversification of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranz) Utilization in Northern Ghana; A case Study: Integrated Cassava Processing Pilot Plant in Salaga-Kpembe. Proceedings of 3rd National Conference on Agricultural Engineering. KNUST Kumasi-Ghana 1st to 4th August 2006

Unedited Conference Papers

• J. Y Amoah, P. Dzamboe (2006) : The Potential of Sericulture in Ghana - Paper presented at the a Three Day Research Output Review Seminar (RORS-2006) at the Institute of Industrial Research of CSIR, Accra. 1st – 3rd Nov. 2006
• J. Y Amoah and M. Aggey (2006): Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator: Status Report – Paper presented at the third Workshop to Review Projects under the Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP. CSIR-AgSSIP, CSIR-Food Research Institute, Accra. 3rd February 2006 
• J. Y Amoah and M. Aggey (2005): Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator : Progress Report – Paper presented at the Second  Workshop to Review Projects under the Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP. CSIR-AgSSIP, Accra. 14th – 15th March 2005 
• J. Y Amoah and M. Aggey (2004): Project Description and Overview of a Small Scale Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator - Paper Presented at a One Day Inter-Institutional Seminar on Design of a Small Scale Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator at the Institute of Science and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) Accra 19th February 2004
• J. Y Amoah G. B-Appiah and M. Aggey (2004): A Small Scale Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator. Design Description and Parameters - Paper Presented at a One Day Inter-Institutional Seminar on Design of a Small Scale Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator at the Institute of Science and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) Accra 19th February 2004.
• M. Aggey  and J. Y Amoah (2004): Throughput Rates and Efficiencies of Small Scale Motorized Palm-nut Cracker and Manual Rotating Sieve (Trommel) - Paper Presented at a One Day Inter-Institutional Seminar on Design of a Small Scale Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator at the Institute of Science and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) Accra 19th February 2004
• J. Y Amoah and M. Aggey (2003): Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator – Paper presented at the first Workshop to Review Projects under the Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP. CSIR-AgSSIP, Accra. 7th – 8th October 2003

Edited Technical Reports

• J. Amoah, A. DeGraft, M. Ishmaila (2014) CAD Production drawings on Feacal Waste Compost Pellet making machine
• J. Amoah, K. Akufo-kumi, M. A. B. Animpong, C. Odum (2013)-  Characteristics of Mulberry Cocoons Produced in Ghana.
• J. Amoah, A. DeGraft, M. Ishmaila (2013) CAD Production drawings on Feacal Waste Compost Mixer
• K. Dzisi, J. Amoah, C. Dzato, E. Makafui (2012): Report on the availability of dryers and their capacity to produce high quality cassava flour for the food industry in Ghana
• J. Amoah (2011): Status Report on Sericulture Project
• J. Amoah (2011): Update on Silk Production and Demonstration Factory
• J. Y. Amoah and M. Aggey (2006): Third Progress Report for the period April 2004 to February 2006 on Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator” Sponsored under Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP.
• J. Y. Amoah and S. Dotse (2006): Progress Report on Development and Testing of a Prototype Commercial Mechanized Cassava Harvester for the period October 2005 to September 2006.
• M. Aggey and J. Y. Amoah (2004): Second Progress Report for the period August 2003 to March 2004 on Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator” Sponsored under Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP.
• J. Y Amoah, G. B-Appiah, M. Aggey (2004): Design and Construction of a Mechanized Palm kernel shell separator. CAD Drawings of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator produced. Prototype undergoing field tests for transfer to small scale palm kernel oil producers.. The Prototype was produced and tested both at the workshop level and on the field. 
• J. Y Amoah, G. B-Appiah, and M. Aggey (2004): Revised CAD Drawings of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator.CSIR-IIR/TT/JYA/2004/002. The Prototype produced on the revised design is currently undergoing workshop tests.
• J. Y. Amoah and M. Aggey (2003): First Progress Report for the period January to July 2003 on Development and Transfer of a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator” Sponsored under Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme of AgSSIP.
• J. Y. Amoah, A. Quarshie, M. Aggey, B. Mensah (2003): Tomato Production in the Tono and Yea areas of the Upper East Region of Ghana,
• J. Y. Amoah, A. Quarshie, M. Aggey, B. Mensah (2003): Post harvest Handling, Storage and Processing of Tomatoes in Ghana. 2003 
• Amoah, J.Y., Aggey, M., Mensah B., Quarshie,R.(2003) - Small Scale Processing Plant for Tomato Paste Production in the Upper East  Region, prepared for MoFA under AgSSIP.
• J. Y. Amoah (2002): Cassava Processing Equipment Profiles.
• J. Amoah, A. Quashie (2001): “Removal of Burnt PVC from Extruders” – A Consultancy job undertaken for Tropical Cables and Conductors Ltd.
• J. Y Amoah, N. Gbolonyo, F. Dzokoto (1999): Survey Report on the Status of Agricultural Mechanization in Ghana
• J. Y. Amoah (1999): Report on Sieve Analysis of Dried Cocoa Beans.
• J. Y. Amoah, J. N. Ocran, E. Y. N Bobobee (1999): Draft Report on Agricultural Mechanization Policy and Strategy Review in Ghana.
• J. Y. Amoah (1998): Prospects and Implications of Processing New Cassava Varieties into Chips.
• Mensah B. Aggey M. and Amoah J (1998): Design Sketches of Integrated Dryer and Kiln for the Production of Potash Ash from Agricultural Waste
• J. Y. Amoah, E. Sackey (1997): Upgrading Traditional Dye Manufacturing Technology in Ghana; Part 1: Field Studies on the level of Technology in the Volta Region.
• E. Sackey, J. Y. Amoah (1997): Upgrading Traditional Dye Manufacturing Technology in Ghana; Part 1: Indigo Yarn Dyeing in Daboya in the Northern Region.
• J. Amoah (1996): The State of Small Scale Metal Working Enterprises in Madina-Accra
• Acquah F., Mensah B., Ampofo K., Obiri H., Amoah J., Kwaa E., & Quarshie R (1996)- Pre-feasibility study on the Establishment of a Plastic Waste Recycling Plant in Ghana,  prepared for the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & WORKSHOP

• TDTC-COTVET Training Workshop on Technology Marketing and Intellectual Property – at CSIR-STEPRI Auditorium 11th to 12th July 2016
• Seminar on Design Considerations for a Mechanized Palm Kernel Shell Separator – 27th April 2016
• Research and Industry Forum on Technology Development and Transfer (TDTC) COTVET at STEPRI. 8th December 2015
• Workshop on Commercialization of Research Technologies under Technology Development and Transfer (TDTC) COTVET at STEPRI on. 18th November 2015
• Training workshop on Technology Development and Transfer (TDTC) COTVET Workshop at STEPRI. A CSIR-TDTC Project Review Meeting. 26th October 2015
• Senior Researchers Forum on Research and Development in Kumasi. 21st to 23rd September 2015
• Training Workshop on Technology Development and Transfer: Sponsored under COTVET GSTDP-Component 2 organized by CSIR-TDTC 22nd May 2015
• Training Workshop on Technology Development and Transfer: Sponsored under COTVET GSTDP-Component 2 organized by CSIR-TDTC 2nd – 3rd June 2014
• Cassava Stakeholder Lesson Learning Workshop on Empowering Cassava Value Chain Actors to Enhance Incomes, Employment and Food Security organized by FAO Regional Office for Africa- Nov 14 2014
• Stakeholders workshop on Using Improved Indigenous Building Materials for Affordable Housing organized by Department of Rural Housing- November 2012
• Northern Sector Fabricators Forum on Promoting Local Building Materials through Appropriate Machinery Fabrication Techniques-28th- 19th October 2012
• Southern  Sector Fabricators Forum on Promoting Local Building Materials through Appropriate Machinery Fabrication Techniques-20th-21st June 2012
• IIR-CSIR Research Output Review Seminars (2006 & 2007)
• Society of Agricultural Engineering Conferences (2006 & 2007)
• Palm Kernel/Shell Separator Prototype Design Review Seminar, 2004
• One day Training Workshop on Energy Auditing organized by FINET-Ghana in May 2004
• National Training Course on Scientific Writing and Oral Presentation, organized by CTA/CSIR/INSTI - December 2003
• Seminar on Energy from Waste in Ghana organized by The Ministry of Environment and Science in April 2002
• Seminar on Energy Requirements for Post harvest handling of Agro-Produce in Ghana organized by the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ghana Legon. Feb. 2001
• Training Course on Proposal Writing organized by Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration GIMPA - April 2000
• Seminar on Production of starch for Industrial Application in Ghana; Organized by the Institute of Industrial Research (IIR-CSIR).- November 12, 1999.
• Attended an In plant course on Management Development organized by Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) - January 18 - 22, 1999.
• Training on Change Management - May 16 - 17, 1998 organized under the Private Sector Development Programme.
• National Workshop on Cassava organized by NBSSI August 19, 1997.
• Workshop on Development of Business incubators in Ghana - April 30, 1997 organized by National Board for Small Scale Businesses (NBSSI) in Ghana.
• Attended a National Workshop on Farm Implements and Tools organized by the Farm Implements and Tools Programme - February 6, 1997.
• Seminar on Business Incubators and Growth Centers - November 25, 1996 organized by National Board for Small Scale Businesses (NBSSI) in Ghana.
• Trained in Machine Design and Manufacture, Ibadan-Nigeria organized by the African Regional Center for Engineering Design and Manufacturing (ARCEDEM)- January - March, 1990.