Dr. Ben Nyanihorba Ayamba, the inaugural visually impaired UCC PhD graduate, successfully completed the rigorous seven-year journey in Guidance and Counselling, earning his doctorate degree.

The achievement was celebrated at the university's 56th Congregation, where he was one of 103 PhD graduands among 3,034 postgraduate students.

Acknowledging his determination, Dr. Ayamba received the Special Chancellor’s Award of US $2,000. UCC, in its 56th congregation, graduated a total of 18,539 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Despite losing his sight in 1995, Dr. Ayamba persevered through rehabilitation and pursued education, eventually attaining his PhD in 2023.

His journey, marked by faith and resilience, underscores the importance of supportive environments, with UCC's resource center for Persons with Disabilities playing a crucial role in facilitating his academic success.

“The Lecturers were also helpful; knowing our situation, especially those of us with visual impairment, they put the right methodologies in place to help us get the content and the necessary skills and competencies before completion,” he said.

Instead of keeping their disabled child hidden from society, Dr. Ayamba pleaded with parents to seek advice and assistance so they can enroll their child in the right institutions and discover their potential and interests.

“Some parents think once the child is disabled, he cannot do anything. They should contact the social welfare and the Ghana Blind Union and other organisations for the physically challenged,” he said.

“There are a lot of educational facilities and rehabilitation centres to assess the capabilities of the child to know where they fit best; whether in an inclusive school, a mainstreaming school or to be placed in a special school,” he added.

Despite his retirement in 26 days, Dr. Ayamba said he was still available for the country because he had earned a PhD in guidance and counseling.