Ing. Dr. Henry Nunoo-Mensah is a Professional Engineer and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. He is widely recognized for his leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital innovation, with a strong focus on translating advanced research into practical solutions that address pressing societal challenges.

Academic and Research Leadership

Dr. Nunoo-Mensah leads the AI in Health Theme of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL-KNUST), a multidisciplinary initiative funded by IDRC and GIZ that drives research and capacity building in AI ethics, governance, and applications for sustainable development. He also leads the Connected Devices (CoDe) Lab and serves as Training and Programmes Coordinator at the DIPPER Lab, where he spearheads projects in wireless sensor networks, IoT, and smart systems. Additionally, he is MSc Programmes Coordinator for the World Bank-supported KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP) and a Research Fellow at the Brew-Hammond Energy Centre. He led the team that formulated the FACETS Responsible AI Framework for regulating AI innovations within the AI4D African Initiave Ecosystem and beyond.

Research and Innovation

His research interests include artificial intelligence and machine learning, AI for healthcare diagnostics, blockchain-enabled systems, algorithms design and optimization, computer security and IoT, and wireless sensor networks. With over 2000 academic citations, Dr. Nunoo-Mensah has led and contributed to the development of AI diagnostic platforms (IntelliDiag), rare-disease clinician support tools (Care4Rare), document intelligence systems (ZebraChat), and blockchain-based DeFi identity platforms (AfriLink). 

Major Research Grants and Funding

Dr. Nunoo-Mensah has attracted significant international funding for research and innovation. He is Co-Investigator on the AI for Sustainable Development project (€1,000,000, French Government through the French Embassy, Ghana) and has co-led two African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) 2023–24 R1 funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with grants of £247,166 (Grant No. 13710) and £249,602 (Grant No. 13704) in partnership with Aston University, KNUST, Tropical Growers, and SAYeTech. He is also Co-Investigator on the Data Science for Child Health Now in Ghana (DS-CHANGE) project ($349,854, Fogarty International Center at the U.S. NIH, 2021–2026, Grant No. 1U2RTW012129-01). Under his coordination, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab – KNUST (RAIL-KNUST) has secured an IDRC AI4D Africa Grant (CAD 550,000, Grant No. 81280702) and a GIZ Fair Forward AI Grant (€306,884.60, Grant No. 109832-001). The RAIL-KNUST has also been able to secure about CAD 1,500,000.00 for it's phase II activities from IDRC and FCDO.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Nunoo-Mensah has received national and international recognition for his contributions to AI research and capacity building. His leadership has positioned KNUST at the forefront of responsible AI development in Africa, while his innovative platforms demonstrate a rare ability to move from research to real-world impact.

Teaching and Mentorship

He teaches courses in Computer Networking, Distributed Systems, Digital Systems Design, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT, and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate research. He has also developed curricula and short-course modules in digital technologies, AI ethics, and applied machine learning, training the next generation of African engineers and researchers.

Professional Engagement

Beyond academia, he consults for local and international organizations on AI, digital governance, and innovation strategy. He actively engages in multi-stakeholder collaborations, bringing together researchers, industry partners, and policymakers to shape Africa’s digital transformation agenda.