Profile

Gifty Serwaa Otoo is a lecturer at the Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU). She holds a PhD in Food Science and Postharvest Technology from the University of Cape Coast. Before her PhD, she earned a master's in philosophy and a bachelor’s in food science and technology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science. and Technology, Ghana. She is married with three children.

As a lecturer in CCTU, she educates and mentors students in various aspects of food science, including food preservation, food processing, quality control, and innovative
postharvest technologies. She is committed to equipping her students with
practical skills and knowledge that align with industrial standards and global
food safety regulations.

Beyond teaching, Gifty actively engages in research focusing on food preservation methods,
postharvest handling of perishable crops, and value addition to agricultural
produce. Her research contribution has provided innovative solutions to enhance
food nutrition and security and minimize losses in the agricultural value
chain.

Gifty’s research contributions highlight her commitment to addressing food safety, nutritional well-being, and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly within Ghana
and the broader sub-Saharan African. Her studies underscore her dedication to improving food quality, safety, and nutritional value through innovative food processing techniques.

With a strategic mindset and a commitment to excellence, Gifty collaborates with industry
stakeholders and agricultural institutions to develop sustainable food
production and preservation strategies. Her work has significantly contributed
to improving food processing techniques and enhancing the overall quality of
agricultural products.

Gifty is also the founder and CEO of ASBoat-O Company Limited, a cereal processing enterprise that applies core principles of food science and postharvest technology to
practical, real-world challenges. Through this venture, she translates
scientific knowledge into innovative food products, contributing directly to
food security and nutrition in Ghana. The company focuses on producing
high-quality, locally sourced cereal-based products, with a strong emphasis on
reducing postharvest losses, improving shelf life, and maintaining nutritional
value. Her entrepreneurial initiative not only supports local agriculture but
also creates employment opportunities, exemplifying her holistic approach to
solving food system challenges.

A dedicated advocate for food sustainability, Gifty Serwaa Otoo continues to make a
significant impact in the field of Food Science and Postharvest Technology,
inspiring the next generation of food scientists and contributing to national
and global food security efforts.

Academic Qualification

#	Qualifications
1	PhD. Food Science & Postharvest Technology University of Cape Coast 2024
2	MPhil, Food Science & Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology 2014
3	BSc, Food Science & Technology Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology 2009

Publications

Publications
Otoo, G. S., Essuman, E. K., Gyimah, V., & Bigson, K. (2018). Quality attributes of fufu: Instrumental and sensory measurement. Scientific African, 1, e00005.
Bigson, K., Essuman, E. K., Boadu, V. G., & Otoo, G. S. (2019). Nutritional quality of meals served under the Ghana school feeding programme at the Upper West and Central Region of Ghana. African Journal of Food Science, 13(4), 92–100.
Bigson, K., Essuman, E. K., Otoo, G. S., & Nsor-Atindana, J. (2020). Evaluation of acquisition and storage of food under the Ghana school feeding programme in the Wa and Cape Coast cities. Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene, 5(1), 24–29.
Boadu, V. G., Essuman, E. K., Otoo, G. S., & Bigson, K. (2021). The impact of different drying techniques on the physicochemical and quality characteristics of oil palm fruit mesocarp (Elaeis guineensis). International Journal of Food Science, 2021, 1–6.
Adu, T. F., Lamptey, F. P., Kaburi, S., & Otoo, G. S. (2022). Alternative for dirty cooking fuels in Ghana: Exploring the potential of cassava ethanol. Review of Energy Technologies and Policy Research, 7(1), 1–10.
Kaburi, S. A., Lamptey, F. P., Otoo, G. S., Nyame, B., Appiah, F., & Adu, T. F. (2022). Effects of three different rates of application of cattle dung on the growth and quality of two traditional leafy vegetables (Amaranthus cruentus and Corchorus olitorius). Journal of Food Technology Research, 9(4), 176–193.
Apaliya, M. T., Kwaw, E., Osae, R., Alolga, R. N., Aikins, A. S. S., Otoo, G. S., Kaburi, S. A., Lamptey, F. P., & Amo-Broni, C. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on food security: Ghana in review. Journal of Food Technology Research, 9(3), 160–175.
Kaburi, S. A., Lamptey, F. P., Otoo, G. S., & Appiah, F. (2023). Effectiveness of some aflatoxin interventions in reducing the aflatoxin contamination of maize in Ghana. Journal of Food Technology Research, 10(2), 47–61.
Kaburi, S. A., Appiah, F., Lamptey, F. P., & Otoo, G. S. (2023). Controlling aflatoxin in maize: The effects of varieties, packaging materials, and agroecological zones. Heliyon, 9(11), e21645
Otoo, G. S., Abano, E. E., Amoah, R. S., Agblemanyo, F. E., Dadzie, R. G., Kizzie‐Hayford, N., Seidu‐Larry, S., & Ampofo‐Asiama, J. (2024). Enhancing protein and vitamin A intake through the addition of Bambara groundnut and ripe plantain to maize porridge. Legume Science, 6(2), e234.
Odoi-Yorke, F., Kaburi, S. A., Sanful, R. E., Otoo, G. S., Lamptey, F. P., Abbey, A. A., Agyekum, E. B., & Darko, R. O. (2024). A review of recent trends, advancements, and future directions in near-infrared spectroscopy applications in biofuel production and analysis. Infrared Physics & Technology, 145, 105692.
Lamptey, F. P., Teye, E., Kaburi, S. A., Odoi-Yorke, F., Amuah, C. L. Y., Abano, E. E., & Otoo, G. S. (2025). Feasibility study on fingerprinting organic and conventional mango fruits, chips, and juice using portable near-infrared spectroscopy. Analytical Methods, 17, 1518–1530.
Kaburi, S. A., Sanful, R. E., Azumah, L. C., Lamptey, F. P., Otoo, G. S., Nyame, B., Kumah, P., & Appiah, F. (2025). Interactive effect of biological control (Aflasafe GH02) and different packaging types on aflatoxin levels in maize grain in two ecological zones. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 4(1), e0000160.
Odoi-Yorke, F., Davis, J. E., Nyarkoh, R., Abbey, A. A., Agyekum, E. B., Lamptey, F. P., Otoo, G. S., Kaburi, S. A., Darko, R. O., & Atepor, L. (2025). A review of research trends, innovations, and future directions in phase change materials for energy storage in solar drying systems: A bibliometric approach. Journal of Energy Storage, 118, 116233.

Awards & Grants

#

Grants & Awards

1

Organic Waste Processing Center using Black Soldier Fly Cultivation Name of organisation Cape Coast Technical University Month of Establishment 09 Year of Establishment 1984 Main business activity of organisation Teaching, Training and Community Service Mission Our mission is to provide quality technical, vocational and entrepreneurial, education that inspires learners to be creative and driven towards technology-based and sustainable solutions for communities and industries within the country and the sub-region. Vision Our Vision is to be a leading technologically innovative and entrepreneurial Technical University with a reputation in green and clean energy technologies.

Conferences Attended

Conference & Workshops
May 28 – June 1, 2024 The 3rd Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana THEME: University, Industry, And Government Partnership for Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development
November 2023 Participant and presenter of a paper on Interactive effect of biological control (Aflasafe GH02) and different packaging types on aflatoxin levels in maize grain in two ecological zones. Twenty Third Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Ghana Institute of Horticulturist (GhIH).
July 2022 Participant and presenter of a paper on ‘Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of maize farmers on aflatoxins control strategies in two agroecological zones in Ghana’. 2nd Annual Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana
2021 Participant in a module writing training organised by Cape Coast Technical University

Positions Held

No position held

Research Interests

Research Interest
Food Product Development, Food Processing, Postharvest Technology, Food Quality Assurance