Sir Sam Jonah redeems $2,000 pledge to PhD blind student

At the 56th session of the graduation ceremony of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2024, a member of the Guidance and Counselling Association of Ghana (GCAG), Dr Ben Bishop Nyanihorba Ayamba, graduated with a PhD degree in Guidance and Counselling.

Dr Ayamba is the first visually impaired student to have graduated with a PhD degree.

The Chancellor of the university, Sir Sam Esson Jonah, was impressed by his academic achievement and promised to offer him a prestigious cash award of $2,000. 

“A statement signed and issued by the National President of GCAG, Prof. Godwin Awabil, expressed its deepest gratitude to the Chancellor of the university for fulfilling his promise by offering Dr Ayamba the prestigious award of $2,000 in recognition of him being the first visually impaired student to graduate from the University of Cape Coast with a PhD degree. 

The statement said, “His attainment of the terminal degree is a testament to the university's provision of effective and efficient structures to promote learning among students, including those with special educational needs to attain their full potential.”

The statement said the GCAG, therefore, extended its heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff of the university for the support they provided, which enabled Dr Ayamba to obtain the terminal degree. 

“The GCAG takes this opportunity to congratulate him on his prestigious cash award and to encourage him to continue to strive for excellence,” the statement added.