How did you first become interested in economics?
I became an economist by divine intervention. I really wanted to study accounting for my first degree but I couldn't get into the Business School and instead, I was given economics, history, archaeology and dance. With these options, I decided to major in economics though I had never studied it. I quickly grew to love economics.
After my first degree, I worked as a high school teacher for year and taught economics, mathematics and English. I enjoyed teaching economics so much that I decided to pursue a PhD in economics in order to become a Lecturer.
Why did you choose to study at the School of Economics at Nottingham?
At the time, I chose the School of Economics at Nottingham, I knew very little about the school. The two things that made Nottingham a clear choice were:
- it was one of the few places I could pursue a New-Route PhD at the time
- University of Nottingham was generous enough to give me scholarship
However, when I actually came to Nottingham I discovered how great and amazing the School of Economics was – the faculty, staff, students, and the campus. I quickly fell in love with the school.
What are your fondest memories of your time at the school?
I often reminisce about the Christmas parties with the School of Economics faculty and staff, the weekly Friday football sessions with some faculty members, the many social activities that gave me the opportunity to bond with my colleague PhD students, the bi-weekly CREDIT Development Seminar Series (which I was helping Professor Oliver Morrissey to organise), and to crown it all, a cordial relationship with my PhD supervisor (Professor Chris Milner). These were all very lovely and fulfilling to me.
What advice would you give to someone considering or about to start a course at the school?
University of Nottingham School of Economics was the best choice for me and could be great choice for anyone who wants to study in an academically flourishing, culturally diverse, and a supportive environment. If you find yourself there, have fun while taking every opportunity you get to pursue excellence and build relationships.
Tell us about your career path since graduation.
Towards the end of my PhD, I went to teach at the Nottingham Trent International College for a brief period before accepting my current position as Country Economist for the International Growth Centre, Ghana Programme, at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
This role has allowed me to work with top economists and academics across the world on some very interesting research questions that are relevant for policymakers.
I have also had the chance to work with top policymakers in bringing answers and insights from research to support the policies aimed at promoting economic growth in Ghana and other developing countries.
What do you enjoy most about that?
I have immensely enjoyed and continue to enjoy working with both academics and policymakers to answer pertinent questions thereby contributing to better policies for economic growth and development.
I have really enjoyed the fact that the policymakers get to set the agenda for serious academic research, making the expertise of seasoned academics more useful to the lives of many ordinary people.
And what are the main challenges?
One challenge is that, there are so many questions and not enough resources to answer all the questions. But perhaps the main challenge is that, quality research takes time and policymakers do not usually have the time to wait for insights and evidence from research before decisions are taken.
Hence, it is not always easy or straightforward to get useful research to inform policy decisions at the right time. But sometimes we still get an opportunity to evaluate and study the effectiveness of these policies to inform future decisions and similar policies elsewhere.
Have your experiences at the school helped you?
The experience in Nottingham and at the School of Economics has been exceptionally useful in who I am and what I do today.
Are you still in touch with your fellow alumni and, if so, how do you stay in contact?
Yes! I am still closely in touch with many of my friends who also studied economics at the University of Nottingham. We are in touch by email, phone, on skype, on WhatsApp and other social media, as well as by meetings in person. I have also collaborated with fellow alumni on research projects.
I had the opportunity to build some strong relationships and friendships at the school that have continued beyond the time we shared in the Sir Clive Granger Building and on the lovely campus till now.
Why is staying in touch important to you?
Staying in touch is important to me because many of the friends I made in Nottingham have meaningfully contributed to who I am today and I cherish the relationships I have built with them.
Have you been back to the school since you graduated?
Yes! Whenever I happen to travel to Nottingham, I take the opportunity to visit the University and the School of Economics.