Dr. Albert Frimpong Becomes First Visually Impaired PhD Graduate from UGBS
Dr. Albert Frimpong has become the first visually impaired PhD graduate from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS). Dr. Frimpong, a distinguished legal professional and dedicated public servant, successfully defended his thesis titled, “The Upstream Petroleum Policy Formulation in Ghana: The Relative Weight Between Science and Politics in Shaping the Process”. He was supervised by Prof. James Kwame Mensah, Prof. Abdul-Gagaru Abdulai, and Prof. Ameyaw K. Domfeh.
Reflecting on Dr. Frimpong’s academic journey, Prof. Mensah described it as an interesting experience. He commended Dr. Frimpong’s dedication, stating, “He was constantly coming for consultations for the necessary corrections. When we were done, he had to do a mock viva before the real viva, and that was when we had a big challenge because he was virtually reading everything. Presentation is not just about reading; you need to speak from your mind. When we tried explaining this, he initially struggled to grasp the concept until I physically demonstrated it to him. Once he understood, he said, ‘Oh, but this is simple.”
Prof. Mensah further noted that Dr. Frimpong performed well in the mock viva and was granted additional time for his final viva. “The normal viva is 40 minutes, but he was given an extra 40 minutes, making it 80 minutes in total. He was successful, and I am very happy to have been part of his PhD journey.”
Dr. Frimpong, who has earned four degrees from the University of Ghana, expressed that he faced no major challenges navigating the university system. He acknowledged the support available through the university’s Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA). He attributed his achievements to divine intervention saying, “It’s the work of God. If you give yourself to God, He does His own thing. I don’t take any credit; it’s purely the work of the Almighty. If you trust God and put yourself in His hands, disability does not matter. God is the God of everything, the God of capabilities. Just trust in Him.”
As a seasoned legal expert, Dr. Frimpong believes his PhD will enhance his research skills, stating, “I am a lawyer by profession, and this PhD will improve my research work because you can't write judgments without conducting research. This has sharpened my research abilities, and it will aid my work.” He also hinted at future academic pursuits, saying, “I have in mind a second programme, probably a PhD in Law. I came to borrow Public Administration to seek diversity.”
Dr. Frimpong currently serves as a State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney General, Ghana, where he plays a key role in legal matters concerning the state and public sector governance. His extensive academic background includes a PhD in Public Administration, Policy, and Management from UGBS, an LLM in Oil and Gas Law, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work & Sociology, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), all from the University of Ghana, as well as a Qualified Certificate in Law from the Ghana School of Law.
With over eleven years of experience in law, Dr. Frimpong’s expertise spans legal advocacy, public administration, and specialised regulatory frameworks in oil and gas law. He has actively represented Ghana in international legal collaborations, particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), demonstrating his commitment to human rights and inclusive policies.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Frimpong is a devoted husband and father of nine, including six adopted children. His passion for social work, public service reform, and advocacy for marginalised communities continues to drive his work in legal and policy development. The University of Ghana community is proud and wishes him well.
Story by Gladys Mensah, UGBS Marcomms.
Edited by Doris Koffi, UGBS Marcomms.