Ghanaian journalist quits PhD programme in US over mental health concerns

Ghanaian sports journalist, Fiifi Anaman.

A Ghanaian sports journalist, Fiifi Anaman, has announced his decision to discontinue his doctoral studies at Michigan State University in the United States, citing mental health concerns and a lack of passion for academia.

Anaman disclosed this in a statement posted on his LinkedIn page on Sunday, where he said he had decided to return to Ghana and begin a new chapter of his life after realising that he lacked the passion and capacity to pursue an academic career.

“Dear all. I’ve had to step aside from my pursuit of my PhD at Michigan State University because of mental health concerns, which was triggered, honestly, by the discovery of the fact that I lack the passion and capacity for academia,” he wrote.

Describing the period as difficult, the journalist said he was trusting God as he prepared to return home.

“It’s been a difficult period for me but as they say, God knows best. I’m returning to Ghana and hoping to start life afresh,” he added.

Anaman also appealed to his professional network to help him secure employment in sports journalism or broadcasting, saying he was seeking a well-paying job based on his CV.

“I would really appreciate it if you can help me secure a well-paying sportswriting or broadcasting job based on my CV on here. Thanks very much to all my connections for supporting my short-lived PhD journey. God bless,” he stated.

His announcement, however, attracted criticisms from some social media users who described his decision to abandon the programme as cowardly.

• Yaba psychiatric hospital seeks support for people with mental illness
• Ghana rescues 119 Nigerians from cybercrime syndicates
• Experts warn ‘suffering and smiling’ masks mental distress

Reacting to the criticism in a post on his Facebook page on Monday, Anaman questioned why sharing his personal experience to encourage others should be interpreted as immaturity.

“People talk o. Ei (sic). So just because someone decided to share his personal story to give strength and inspiration to the people who follow him, he is immature? Chale, do you know who I am? Do you know what I’ve been through?” he wrote.

The journalist went on to disclose the severity of the personal challenges he said he had experienced, including repeated stays in mental health facilities and an incident involving his admission to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.

“Have you directly battled principalities and powers in your life before? Are you a 10-time graduate of mental asylums in 5 years? Have you been dragged to Accra Psychiatric hospital on the very night of the launch of a book you laboured 7 years to write?” he queried.

Defending his decision to speak publicly about his struggles, Anaman said he was disappointed by what he described as hypocrisy among some of his critics, particularly those who profess Christianity.

He wrote, “I wish I could do a Facebook live to blast all these cowards and hypocrites who claim to know Christ but fear the devil.”

Anaman also highlighted his achievements in sports journalism, noting that he had written three books and won two of the most prestigious awards in his field in Ghana.

“Have you ever seen a sports journalist in Ghana’s history who has written three books and won the two most prestigious awards in his field?” he asked.