30/07/2026
PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies bagged!
To every young fellow, photographer, and creative out there: You don't need anybody's permission to be great. Plan, put in the work, pray, focus, seek superior knowledge, be consistent, relentless, and keep polishing even when you shine!
Unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to relax and soak it all in but let me share this for now. Throughout my PhD journey, one particular sentence helped me stay on top of the raging waters, 'NEVER EVER GIVE UP'. Among other things, I have had to endure series of sleepless nights, manage multiple and consecutive deadlines, sacrifice weekends, holidays, time with family and friends, and the list goes on. It has not been all rosy and I'm glad the numerous sacrifices paid off.
I am grateful to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for funding me through Remaking Societies, Remaking Persons (RSRP) and also the Embassy of France in Accra for funding my study visit to France through the Sankofa project. The success of my PhD journey would not have been possible without the crucial support of many people. Paramount among them are the members of my doctoral committe, Professor Kodzo Gavua, Professor Patricia Hayes, and Dr. William N. Gblerkpor, who provided invaluable advice, insights, critiques, and guidance that strengthened my work. I also thank staff, colleagues and students of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana, colleagues at The Leventis Digital Resource Centre , GMMB staff, volunteers, and visitors of Elmina Castle, as well as people of Elmina for their invaluable support.
To my wife, family, and friends, I appreciate your love, prayers, motivation and all that you did to support, as well as your unwavering belief in me to take on this challenge.
I thank God for the ability and strength to achieve this major milestone!
Photo credits: Francis Osei-Owusu , Office of the President - Chief of Staff, Fidelia Ametewee The Leventis Digital Resource Centre University of Ghana
