Young Ghanaian army captain bags third gazette title

In a remarkable narrative that intertwines academia, military service, and engineering expertise, Capt. Dr. Ir. Peter N-jonaam Mahama has achieved an extraordinary feat by acquiring a trio of prestigious gazette titles.

His journey, spanning continents and disciplines, serves as a testament to the potential for diverse expertise within a single individual.

Despite his accomplishments, Capt. Dr. Ir. Mahama missed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduation ceremony for the second time, this time due to operational exigency—a peacekeeping mission missing the pride of wearing the graduation gown of his terminal degree.

What in the world would make someone miss his Ph.D. graduation led to the investigation to know who this person is.

An Engineer

Capt. Dr. Ir. Mahama's journey commenced at St. Charles Minor Seminary Secondary School in Tamale, where he pursued General Science.

Building upon this foundation, he pursued higher education at the University of Cape Coast, graduating with Honours in Bachelor of Science in Water and Sanitation.

His academic prowess was further demonstrated as he served as a Teaching Assistant at the university during his mandatory one-year national service.

The pursuit of excellence led him to the Netherlands, where he was awarded the University of Twente Excellence Scholarship.

There, he earned a Master of Science in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation for Water Resources and Environmental Management, obtaining the esteemed title of engineer (Ir).

His outstanding final thesis on the "Assessment of the utility of smartphones for water quality monitoring" was recognized as one of the top two research works in his department. This research work produced three outstanding peer-reviewed papers.

Captain in the Army

Returning to Ghana, Capt. Dr. Ir. Mahama took an unexpected turn in his career, enlisting in the Ghana Armed Forces. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant after rigorous training and, currently, holds the esteemed rank of Captain (Capt).

His intellectual acumen within the military domain was highlighted when he secured the third position in the Commandant's Prize Essay during their training.

He is currently serving on a peacekeeping mission with the Ghana Level II Plus Hospital, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, Abyei.

For this service to God and Nation, he missed his graduation ceremony which was held on the Friday 16th August, 2024.

A Doctorate in Environmental Engineering

Undeterred by the challenges of military life, our protagonist pursued a terminal degree at the University of Energy and Natural Resources. Here, he earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Management, solidifying his position as a doctor in academia as at December 2023.

His commitment to excellence was evident in his final thesis, contributing to his multifaceted identity.

A Path to Chartered Environmentalist

Capt. Dr. Ir. Mahama's commitment to environmental causes extend to becoming a certified Chartered Environmentalist of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (UK-based).

However, he is currently an affiliated member of the institution as he progresses to become a chartered member.

He also joined various associations, including the Africa Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment, and the Earth Observation Africa Research and Development Facility.

Within Ghana, he is a proud member of the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environmental Professionals, and the Ghana Geospatial Society. He is also a member of the Netherlands Alumni Association of Ghana.

Vision for Health Security and Environmental Policy

Beyond his military and academic achievements, Capt. Dr. Ir. Mahama envisions contributing significantly to national well-being.

His final thesis foreshadows his ambition to develop a policy brief for the Ministry of Health, focusing on "Advancing Health Security through Strengthening Infectious Disease Surveillance and Healthcare Preparedness in Ghana."

Looking forward, he aspires to delve into environmental law, demonstrating a commitment to holistic problem-solving and making a lasting impact on Ghana's well-being.

This diverse set of aspirations positions him as a source of inspiration for aspiring professionals across various fields.

He stands as a remarkable asset to the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation at large.