Celebrating Excellence: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Matthew Abunyewah.

In a world where obstacles often seem insurmountable, stories like that of Dr. Matthew Abunyewah (PhD) remind us of the incredible power of resilience, determination, and education.

Today, I celebrate not just an academic achievement but a life story that has the potential to inspire countless others, especially those who come from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. I want to take a moment to celebrate a remarkable achievement by my dear friend, Dr. Matthew Abunyewah, who has published in top-tier journals including:

• Nature Sustainability
• Sustainable Development Journal
• Journal Resources policy
• Energy Economics
• Cleaner Production Journal
• Business Strategy and Environment
• Environmental Science and Policy
• International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM)

Between 2022-2024 alone, Dr. Matthew Abunyewah (PhD) published over forty (40) Q1 journals, eight (8) book chapters, and one (1) fully edited book. Dr. Abunyewah’s recent recognition by Wiley Publishers for having one of the top-cited papers in Disasters journal between 2022 and 2023 is more than just an accolade. His groundbreaking research, titled "Actor-network analysis of community-based organisations in health pandemics: Evidence Rrom The COVID-19 Response In Freetown, Sierra Leone," is a testament to his staunch commitment to understanding and solving some of the most pressing issues of our time—urban planning, sustainability, and disaster management.

But Dr. Abunyewah's success is not just the result of academic brilliance. It is the culmination of a journey that began in the humble streets of Kwesimintsim, Ghana—a community often overlooked, where opportunities were few, and challenges many. Born and raised in a place where the future seemed uncertain, Dr. Abunyewah faced the harsh realities of life early on. Yet, instead of letting these challenges define him, he used them as fuel to propel himself forward. I still recall the days we spent at Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) , where the struggle to keep up with school fees was a constant battle. Our parents often could only pay in part, and we were frequently sent home as a result. Those were tough times that could have easily crushed our dreams. But for Dr. Abunyewah, each setback was a stepping stone to something greater.

Education became his lifeline. Through sheer determination and an unyielding desire to excel, Dr. Abunyewah earned a First Class Honours degree in Development Planning from The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in Ghana. But he didn’t stop there. With a passion for making a difference, he pursued and completed a PhD in Urban Planning and Sustainability from The University of Newcastle , Australia, further solidifying his role as a thought leader in his field. Dr. Abunyewah's journey from coordinating projects for local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Ghana to becoming a Senior Project and Policy Officer with the Northern Territory Government in Australia, and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle , is nothing short of extraordinary.

Currently his role as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at UON, & Outstanding Future Researcher at Charles Darwin University in Australia is a testament to resilience and the power of education. His work now spans crucial areas such as climate change, circular economy, and sustainability—issues that are at the heart of global conversations. What makes Dr. Abunyewah's story even more remarkable is that it mirrors the experiences of so many bright, young immigrants who, like him, come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These are the children who rely on academic excellence to secure scholarships, who break through life’s barriers not through privilege, but through pure merit. Matthew’s journey is a beacon of hope, proving that with resilience and a commitment to excellence, no dream is too big, and no obstacle insurmountable.

In his current role, Dr. Abunyewah has been headhunted and funded by the Australian Federal Government's FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) to lead a team of respected researchers to enhance the social resilience of CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) groups in Katherine, Australia. His work continues to make a significant impact, contributing to the United Nations 's Sustainable Development Goals and advancing knowledge in fields like:

• Community development
• Urban planning
• Disaster resilience
• Sustainability,
• Circular economy
• Waste management

As we celebrate Dr. Abunyewah's latest achievement, I hope his story inspires others, especially those from humble beginnings, underrepresented demographics, and the underprivileged to keep pushing forward. The road may be tough, but as Dr. Abunyewah's lived experience demonstrates, the rewards of perseverance are immeasurable.

Congratulations, Dr. Matthew Abunyewah (PhD) , on this well-deserved recognition from Wiley . Your journey is an inspiration to us all, a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a belief in the transformative power of education.

If you have read this far, I will encourage you to take a moment to share this story with your network-to inspire and encourage others who may need to see this to encourage them to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.

I have no doubt that Dr. Matthew Abunyewah (PhD) will receive and be awarded many more accolades for his continued impact and work in making the world a better place.

#Inspiration #Resilience #Education #AcademicExcellence #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #DisasterManagement #SocialImpact #CelebrateSuccess