Rhoda is a Senior Research Scientist and Head of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at the Water Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-WRI), Ghana. She specializes in aquatic animal health, molecular and population genetics, ecotoxicology, aquaculture production, and fisheries management. In addition to her formal education, she has received diverse advanced training at Institutions like United Nations University and JICA Training Centre in Japan, as well as Duquesne University and the University of Rhode Island in the USA. Her training spans issues of global concern, including climate change, sustainable resource use, disease diagnostics, coastal pollution, and molecular techniques for conservation. Driven by her expertise and deep passion for maximizing local fish production and safeguarding fish health, she has led research and consultancy initiatives that support sustainable aquaculture and food security in Ghana, working with both governmental and non-governmental agencies. Her current research focuses on the application of molecular markers for the rapid diagnosis of fish diseases, alongside studies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), resistance genes (ARGs), development of vaccines, probiotics, phytochemicals, and other safe alternative technologies for effective disease control in cultured aquatic animals. She also conducts population genetics research to generate molecular insights into the diversity and genetic structure of fish species. This work supports selective breeding programs aimed at diversifying farmed species in Ghana and enhancing livelihoods.  

SOME ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Pioneered groundbreaking work applying molecular diagnostic techniques for the rapid detection of fish pathogens, enabling faster and more accurate disease management in aquaculture in Ghana. This first integration of molecular tools in Ghana, alongside traditional culture protocols not only enhanced public awareness of alternative approaches but also elevated the reputation of local experts for delivering advanced research solutions. It also provided expert guidance to farms nationwide, strengthening biosecurity and reducing losses.
2. Led extensive population genetics studies that produced molecular markers for genetic characterization of indigenous and exotic tilapia strains. This work provided critical evidence for national policy, leading to restrictions on, and better management of the introduction of non-native species into Ghana’s aquaculture systems.
3. Contributed to Development of Guidelines and Protocols for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Detection in the Environment Sector in Ghana, for the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of Ghana. This is not only ensuring consistency of results across laboratories in Ghana, or advancing scientific knowledge but has also directly influenced national policy, farmer practices, improved fish production, and public health safeguards against AMR, the silent pandemic, thus contributed to the transformation of Ghana’s aquaculture and environment sector.

SOME RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY FUNDING RECEIVED 

1. SAWA Project: A National Aquaculture Initiative (2026-2030), driving Inclusive Employment for 80,000 young Women, PWDs and displaced youth across Ghana. Team member Aquaculture/Alternative Fish Feed production, and Lead for Fish Health. Funded by MasterCard Foundation ($ 1,920,923.04)
2. Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd Consultancy Work: Ecological Study of Streams, River and Water Storage Facilities at the Newmont Ahafo South Mine (August -November, 2026). Funded by Newmont. Team Lead for Fish Health and Quality Assessment component. (GHC 1,584,838.00)
3. Eco-Innovative Technologies for Improved Nutrition, Sustainable Production and Marketing of Agroecological Food Products in Africa. Funded by Horizon Europe (HORIZON): Horizon-Cl6-2023-Farm2fork-01-19.(£550,000)     2024-2027. Team Lead for Microbials (Endotoxins) and member on fish health monitoring.

4. Assessment of the Current Status of Antimicrobials Use and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)/AMR genes in Ghanaian Aquaculture farms and their Public Health Impact. 2023-2024. CSIR Research Grant Award- Principal Investigator.

5. Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF Innovate-UK)–Coastal and Marine fish production, CSIR-Ghana – (£30, 000). 2023. Co-Principal Investigator
6. TiSeed Project, Accelerating aquaculture development in Ghana through sustainable Nile Tilapia seed production and dissemination. Funded by The Netherlands – CGIAR research programme ($1,200,000). 2019 – 2022. Team Member for Molecular Characterization
7. Collaborative research between CSIR South Africa and CSIR-Ghana. Development of Molecular Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and, Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV)-Trials in Ghana- 2022, Co-Principal Investigator
8. Offer of Scholarship Award for PhD Programme in Aquaculture by– USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project – (usard pil 1\o.: 641-a18-fy14-il#007) – 2016-2019
9. Offer of Sponsorship Award for MPhil. Research Work by – American Cetacean Society International, and Partial Support from the RAF 07/008 Project of International Atomic Energy 
10. Genetic Diversity and Structure among Ghanaian Farmed and Chinese Farmed Nile Tilapia Populations in Ghana Project. Consultancy work Funded by The Environment Protection Agency, Ghana (EPA)– CoPrincipal Investigator, 2018-2019
11. Microbial Water and Fish Quality Assessment from a Biologically treated sewage system, for EAP CONSULT LIMITED. Consultancy Work Funded by the Accra Sewage Improvement project, 2016 and 2022 – Principal Investigator
12. Development of Molecular Diagnostic Markers for identification of High Yielding and Disease Resistant Strains of the Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus to Enhance Food Security in Ghana – Funded from IGF from CSIR, Water Research Institute  2013-2015, Principal Investigator 

13. Threats to the Commercial Fishing Industry in Ghana: Assessment of Fish Diseases and Xenobiotics in Wild Samples along the Densu Delta- IGF from CSIR Water Research Institute Co-Principal Investigator 2014-2016.

14. Isolation and identification of parasitic pathogens associated with diseases of farmed populations of Oreochromis niloticus in Ghana- Microbiological Analysis –CSIR-WRI – Principal Investigator, 2014-2015
15. Molecular Identification of Shrimps in the Volta Estuary for Shrimp Culture in Ghana- Funded by Department of Marine and Fisheries Science/WRI – Principal Investigator, 2015-2016.

PUPLICATIONS

1. Osei-Atweneboana, Mike Y., Armah Emmanuel Odartei, Aboagye Frank Twum, Agyarkwa, Seth K., Diyie Rhoda Lims (2026). Genetic diversity and population analysis of farmed Nile tilapia based on ND1-mitochondrion DNA sequences. Aquaculture  Reports  Volume  50,  103780, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2026.103780.

2. Addo Samuel, Dabi Michael, Anyan Kofi Ferni, Duodu Samuel, Duodu Collins Prah, Diyie Rhoda Lims (2026). Fish health, environmental contaminants, and disease management in Ghanaian aquaculture: A systematic review. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, Volume 57, Issue3. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.70093
3. Diyie, R. L., Addo, S., Osei-Atweneboana, M. Y., Aheto, D. W. (2024). Conventional and Molecular Diagnosis of Fish Parasites in Cultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science. 65 (2), 228-243. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjs.v6
4. Diyie, R. L., Osei-Atweneboana, M. Y. Armah, E., Asmah, R., Appenteng, P., and Aheto, D. W. (2024). Genetic Diversity of Fungal Pathogens Affecting the Health of Cultured Fish in Ghana. Journal of Ghana Science Association. 22 (1). ISSN: 2737-713X
5. Acheampong Addo, Emmanuel Odartei Armah, Seth Koranteng Agyakwah, Ruby Asmah, Emmanuel TettehDoku Mensah, Rhoda Lims Diyie, Sena Amewu, Catherine Ragasa, Edward Kofi Abban and Mike Yaw OseiAtweneboana (2024). Microsatellite-Based Genetic Variations and Relationships Among Some Farmed Nile Tilapia Populations in Ghana: Implications for Nile Tilapia Culture. Journal of Ghana Science Association, Volume 22(1). ISSN: 2737-713X

6. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Mike Y. Osei-Atweneboana, Emmanuel Armah, Kobina Yankson and Denis W. Aheto (2024). Contamination of Fish Feed with Pathogenic Organisms: Implications on Fish Diseases in Aquaculture. Ghana Journal of Science, Technology and Development | Vol. 9, Issue 2, January 2024 e-ISSN: 2343-6727DOI: https://doi.org/

7. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Samuel Addo, Emmanuel Armah, Charles Mario Boateng, Mercy Oppong, Mike Y. Osei-Atweneboana (2023). Genetic evidence of the unique identity of the West African Mangrove Oyster (Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea. Regional Studies in Marine Science. Volume 67, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103205
8. Rhoda Lims Diyie , Dennis W Aheto, Mike Y Osei-Atweneboana, Emmanuel Armah^, Kobina Yankson (2022). Prevalence of bacterial infections and the use of multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection of pathogens in cultured fish in Ghana. Archives of Microbiology. 204(7):394. doi: 10.1007/s00203-022-03001-w.
9. Samuel Addo, Charles Mario Boateng, Rhoda Lims Diyie, Collins Prah Duodu, Anyan Kofi Ferni, Ernestina Abbew Williams, Akosua Ohemaa Amakye, Obed Asamoah, Harriet Danso -Abbeam, Elvis Nyarko (2022). Occurrence of microplastics in wild oysters (Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea and their potential human exposure. Heliyon https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12255
10. Samuel Addo, Charles Mario Boateng, Rhoda Lims Diyie, Collins Prah Duodu, Anyan Kofi Ferni, Ernestina Abbew Williams, Akosua Ohemaa Amakye, Obed Asamoah, Harriet Danso -Abbeam, Elvis Nyarko (2022). Occurrence of microplastics in wild oysters (Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea and their potential human exposure. Heliyon 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12255
11. Samuel Addo, Kennedy S. Ameti, Winnie Sowah, Rhoda Lims Diyie*, Collins P. Duodu and Eunice K. Asamoah. (2022). Semi-artificial method of induced breeding of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) under varying broodstock ratios using Ovaprim®. African Journal of Biotechnology. Vol. 21(10), pp.504-509, DOI: 10.5897/AJB2022.17511

12. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Seth K. Agyarkwa, Emmanuel Armah, Nana Aso Amonoo, Isaac Owusu-Frimpong, M.Y. Osei-Atweneboana (2021). Genetic variations among different generations and cultured populations of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ghana: Application of microsatellite markers, Aquaculture, Volume 544, 737070,ISSN 0044-8486,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.737070
13. Sakyi, R.L. Ofori-Danson, P.K, Addo, S, and Nyarko E. (2019). Stomach Content Analysis and Concentrations of Chemical Pollutants in the Clymene Dolphin (Stenella Clymene, Gray 1846) from the Coastal Waters of Ghana. Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal.  2019 10: 261, Vol 10(1)   DOI: 10.4172/2150-3508.1000261

14. Ansa E.D.O., Sakyi, R.L., Asmah, M.H. Acheampong, M.A. and Lamptey, E. (2017) An assessment of Environmental Conditions and the Benthic Fauna of the Odaw River Basin. West African Journal of Applied Ecology. Vol 25, No 2.

SOME CONFERENCES, TRAINING PROGRAMS, WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS ATTENDED

1. Aquaculture Ghana Conference 2025: Chamber of Aquaculture (COA). Oral Presentation on Lamp Assay for Rapid, Visual and On-Site Diagnosis of Streptococcus Infections in Cultured Fish. 30-31 October, 2025. World Trade Centre, Accra, Ghana.
2. Aquaculture Ghana Conference 2024: Chamber of Aquaculture (COA). Preliminary Pathological Effects of Integrated Culture of African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) With Water Lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes). Poster Presentation. 29-30 May, 2024, Accra, Ghana.
3. Aquaculture Ghana Conference 2023: Chamber of Aquaculture (COA). Poster Presentation on Evaluating Mariculture Potentials in Ghana. 26-27 April, 2023, World Trade Centre, Accra, Ghana
4. Knowledge Co-Creation Program, (KCCP): Training program in policy and measures of aquaculture environmental health for the sustainable development of aquaculture in the West Central Gulf of Guinea Subregions.JICA Center, Japan. 23/9- 12/10, 2024.
5. Workshop to develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) guidelines and protocols for the Environmental Sector in Ghana.  29^th July-1^st August 2024
6. Training on Genome Editing of Crops and Animals. Online. 10^th -11^th April, 2024
7. Training on General Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health to support sustainable aquaculture in the sub-Saharan Africa. At WorldFish Center, Egypt under NORAD funded project. 2-9^th September, 2023.                                               
8. 33^rd Ghana Science Association Conference, Accra, Ghana, September, 2023. Oral Presentation on ‘Towards Aquaculture Production: Genetic Evidence of the Unique Identity and the Population Structure of the West African Mangrove Oyster (Crassostrea Tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea
9. First Hybrid Aquaculture Conference in West Africa. Theme: New Strategies to Promote Inclusion and Transparency in Aquaculture Management in West Africa, held at University of Ghana, 14^th-16^th May, 2021
10. Ghana Science Association 17th Biennial Conference. Theme: Diet, Health and Covid-19, held via zoom conference on 25th November, 2020
11. 2^nd Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, Ghana, 2019: Oral Presentation on ‘Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Bacterial Pathogens in Cultured Nile Tilapia(Oreochromis Niloticus) and Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) in Ghana’ 
12. 1^ST Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment: Fisheries and Coastal Governance in Contemporary Times, Accra, Ghana, 2017, Poster Presentation on ‘Development Of PCR-Based Methods for Diagnosis of Fungal Infections in Cultured Fish (Oreochromis Niloticus) In Ghana’
13. Water First International Conference, COACH: Promoting career of young women in Water Resources policy, research and engineering. Kempeski Hotel, Ghana- Oral Presentation on ‘Scope of Work as a Research Scientist in Water Resources’
14. 2^nd International Conference on Applied Sciences and Technology (ICAST): Technological Innovation for Accelerated Growth and Development. Kumasi, Ghana, Oral Presentation on ‘Assessment of Environmental Conditions and The Benthic Fauna of the Odaw River Basin’
15. International Technical Seminar on Tilapia Health, held by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of United nations (UN) in collaboration with Fisheries Commission, Ghana, at Volta Hotel Akosombo, 18th November, 2022.
16. One CGIAR West and Central Africa Updates and Consultative Meeting, organized in collaboration with the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), at Alisa Hotel, Accra, Ghana. 13th -14th December, 2022.
17. Inception Workshop – AQUAHEM PROJECT: “Capacity Building in Aquatic and Environmental Health in West Africa”, held at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in East Legon, Accra on April 26, 2022
18. Aquatrans Virtual Training Webinar Series, 17th November, 2022
19. Principles of Biosecurity in Aquaculture webinar put together by Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana, World Aquaculture Society-West Africa Chapter and Lab-Ind Resource (LIR) – 26th October, 2022
20. Climate Change Adaptation in Aquaculture, Virtual meeting by Aquaculture Africa Magazine, on 24th October, 2022
21. The Global Action Plan on Aquatic Genetics and AquaGRIS’ , 12th October, 2022
22. Prospects for Aquaculture Development in Africa: A review of past performance to assess future potential by Aquaculture Africa Magazine. 3rd march, 2022
23. Enhancing Multi-sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Coordination, under the theme: ‘Achieving Sustained Nutrition Impact- Strengthening Multisectoral Nutrition Coordination – virtual Meeting Event, 22^nd June, 2021
24. Fish Health in Ghana’s Aquaculture Sector: An Overview, online, 19^th February, 2021
25. Symposium on Empowering Women in Science. Strategies to eliminate challenges early career Ghanaian women in the science face: Grantsmanship and sustaining research, held at CSIR-STEPRI on the 10th & 11th November, 2020
26. 1^st and 2^nd second series on “Biosecurity Principles in Aquaculture: Practical Disease Prevention, Control and Eradication at the farm” February, 2021
27. OWSD-Ghana CSIR Branch Webinar Series– Conducting Excellent and Innovative Research Despite the Pandemic October, 2020
28. Real-Time PCR Training Workshop for the Detection of Parasites and Pathogens of Infectious Diseases – CountDown Project       Accra, Ghana, 14-18^th March, 2016
29. Sustainable Cage Aquaculture Training Workshop – organized by WRI(Ghana)/Institute of Aquaculture (UK)/ Royal Society/ Leverhulme Africa Project at the City Escape Hotel,  2015
30. High Resolution Meltdown Genotypying Techniques, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Ghana – 2014
31. Environment Management for Sustainable Cage Aquaculture Development, Ghana – 2013
32. Sediment Core Dating Techniques, Morocco – July 2010
33. Emerging Leaders, Extraction and Environment Program, Duquesne University Pennsylvania, USA, June, 2010
34. United Nations University (UNU) Global Seminar– “Strategies for Sustainable Development and the Pressures of Globalization: Policy Challenges in Africa”. Noguchi, Legon   – October, 2009
35. Africa Partnership Station Programme – Maritime safety and security – Deployment of oceanographic instruments and generation of hydrographic data for the purpose of research, education and security (Onboard U.S Navy vessel HSV-2 Swift off West Coast of Africa on the Gulf of Guinea) – February, 2008
36. United States Navy Training Workshop – Coastal Processes (modeling and Remote sensing) – March, 2008, University of Ghana

TECHNICAL/CONSULTANCY/MANUAL REPORTS 

1. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Karyn Ewurama Quansah, Judith Wayo, Frank Aboagye, Nawal Moro Buri, Mario Chrisk, Emmanuel Armah, Hawa Ahmed, Lady Boamah Adomako, Gloria Addico, Mike OseiAtweneboana, Ruby Asmah (2023). Assessment of the status of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Ghanaian aquaculture farms and their public health impact

2. Essa Suleman, Ruby Asmah (Gh), Rhoda Lims Diyie, Etornyo Agbeko, Patrick Senam Fatsi, Duodane Kindler, Emmanuel Armah, Acheampong Addo, Mercy Oppong, Judith Wayo (2022). Development of Molecular Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of Tilapia Lake Virus (Tilv) and, Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (Isknv)-Trials in Ghana. Edited Research Reports

5. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Addo Samuel, Adjeibea, Yaa, Owusu-Frimpong, Isaac, Osei-Atweneboana, M. Y. (2023). Morphological and molecular characterization of commercial shrimps in the Volta Estuary, Ghana. Edited Research Reports. CSIR/WRI/ERR/. RLD/2023/1. CSIR, Water Research Institute.
6. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Danso, P., Addo, S., Ahmed, H., Addo, A., Osei-Atweneboana M. Y. (2023). Prevalence of parasites in cage cultured Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) along the Volta Lake in Ghana. Edited Research Reports. CSIR/WRI/ERR/. RLD/2023/2. CSIR Water Research Institute.
7. Rhoda Lims Diyie, Amonoo, A., Osei-Atweneboana, M.Y. (2023). Fish DNA Extraction Techniques: The feasibility of non-destructive sampling approach for molecular studies in Ghana. Edited Research Reports. CSIR/WRI/ERR/. RLD/2023/3, CSIR, Water Research Institute

8. _{Etornyo Agbeko, Rhoda Lims Diyie, Andrew Joseph, Georgia Ward, Megan Parker, Phoebe Eddon, Eric Kretsi, Simon Jackson (2023). Rapid Assessment of Water Quality to Support Safe Aquaculture in Ghana– Utilizing Bacteria to Quantify Ecological Health. Edited Research Reports.}