Ghanaian lecturer Anthony Baidoo sets record completing his PhD in just 30 months, university says

Dr. Anthony Baidoo of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Department of Forest Science is making waves with his most recent accomplishment—finishing his doctorate in two years and six months.

Baidoo’s PhD journey at AgroParisTech, France, came to an end in March 2024, according to UENR. He successfully defended his thesis, “Forest Politics in the Context of Global China: Essays on Chinese Presence in Ghana’s Rosewood Sector,” which focuses on international forest policy and has received praise from all over the world. The thesis also sheds light on the intricate dynamics of forest governance in the context of global actors like China.

His feat is only made more impressive by the speed with which it was achieved. He managed this by working relentlessly from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily for six months at the start of his educational pursuit.

The caliber of the work he produced exhibited his dedication, which allowed him to gain a ground-breaking understanding of the complex dynamics of Ghana’s rosewood trade and its interactions with other countries, especially China.

The scholar’s work has resulted in five publications at a worldwide level, including pieces published in esteemed journals like Geoforum (Elsevier), Taylor and Francis (Taylor and Francis), and World Development Sustainability (Elsevier). Two additional publications are still in the works.

A prominent voice in the field of forest governance, Baidoo has further cemented his reputation by having his work presented at twelve international academic conferences in six different nations.

Reputable academics from Ghana, the Netherlands, Ecuador, the United States, and France evaluated Baidoo’s work for his thesis defense, a composition that underscores the research’s global significance.

As per the protocol of his doctoral school, Dr. Baidoo was escorted to take the doctoral oath after his defense ended successfully.

In light of his accomplishment, Dr. Baidoo gratefully acknowledged that he was guided and strengthened by God Almighty. Insisting that others follow their passions with unflinching tenacity, he stressed the significance of dedication and commitment to obtaining one’s goals.

The administration of UENR welcomed him back with appreciation and acknowledged his outstanding achievement.