Dr Ben Bishop Nyanihorba Ayamba is a remarkable Ghanaian who overcame his visual impairment to achieve academic excellence. He is the first visually impaired person to ever attain a PhD from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. He graduated with a doctorate degree in Guidance and Counselling on Friday, January 26, 2024. He also received the Special Chancellor’s Award of US $2,000 for his feat.
Dr Ayamba was born sighted, but lost his vision in a car accident in 1995. He did not give up on his education, and pursued various courses in braille at different institutions, including the Presbyterian Training College of Education, the UCC, and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He has three master’s degrees and one bachelor’s degree in addition to his PhD.
He is currently a lecturer at the Mampong Technical College of Education and the UCC College of Distance Education (CoDE). Dr Ayamba attributed his success to God, his determination, and the supportive environment at UCC. He advised parents of children with disabilities to seek guidance and support to enroll them in appropriate institutions, and encouraged persons with disabilities to pursue their interests and contribute to society.
