Dr. Anthony Baidoo, a Lecturer at the Department of Forest Science at UENR, has achieved a significant milestone by completing his PhD in just two years and six months. His groundbreaking research in Political Science, with a focus on International Forest Policy, has earned international acclaim and sheds light on the complex dynamics of forest governance in the context of global actors, particularly China.
Dr. Baidoo’s journey towards his PhD concluded on March 25th, 2024, with a successful defense of his thesis titled “Forest Politics in the Context of Global China: Essays on Chinese Presence in Ghana’s Rosewood Sector.” This accomplishment stands out not only for its academic rigour but also for the unprecedented speed at which it was achieved.
During his PhD, Dr. Baidoo exhibited exceptional dedication, working tirelessly from 11 pm to 3 am daily for six months straight at the onset of his journey. This commitment laid a strong foundation for his research, enabling him to produce groundbreaking insights into the intricate dynamics of the rosewood trade in Ghana and its relationship with global stakeholders, particularly China.
Dr. Baidoo’s research has already yielded five international standard academic publications, including articles in prestigious journals such as Geoforum (Elsevier), Routledge (Taylor and Francis), and World Development Sustainability (Elsevier), with two more publications in the pipeline. His work has also been presented at twelve international academic conferences across six different countries, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the field of forest governance.
The composition of Dr. Baidoo’s thesis defense jury reflects the international significance of his research, with esteemed professors from Ghana, the Netherlands, Ecuador, the USA, and France contributing to the evaluation of his work. Following his successful defense, Dr. Baidoo was led to take his Doctoral Oath, a customary practice in his doctoral school.
Reflecting on his achievement, Dr. Baidoo humbly ascribed the glory to God Almighty, acknowledging the divine guidance and strength that enabled him to accomplish his academic goals. He emphasized the importance of dedication and commitment to achieving desired outcomes, urging others to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Upon his return to UENR, Dr. Baidoo’s sterling academic feat was met with admiration and recognition from the university’s administration, with the URO team engaging him to celebrate his remarkable accomplishment. His research not only contributes to the academic discourse but also holds significant implications for policymakers and practitioners engaged in forest governance and environmental conservation efforts.
Dr. Anthony Baidoo’s journey exemplifies the power of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. His groundbreaking research serves as a testament to the transformative potential of scholarly inquiry in addressing pressing global challenges and shaping the future of forest governance.
