General News of 2026-09-22
Tracing the academic journey of Dr Kofi Akamani who was shot in the US
Dr Kofi Akamani was a Ghanaian-born academic whose educational and professional journey took him from Ghana to Norway and eventually to the United States, where he spent more than 15 years building an academic career.
Born and raised in Ghana, Dr Akamani began his academic journey in the country, earning his bachelor's degree in 2003.
He later pursued higher education in Norway, where he earned a master’s degree from the University of Oslo in 2006.
He subsequently moved to the United States and continued his academic career at the University of Idaho, earning a doctorate in 2011.
Dr Akamani later joined the academic community at Southern Illinois University (SIU), where his work earned recognition among colleagues and institutions.
In 2016, he received the College of Agricultural Sciences Early Career Faculty Excellence Award from SIU, an honour recognising his achievements early in his faculty career.
His contributions to academia were recognised again in 2023 when the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources presented him with its International Alumni Achievement Award.
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Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dr Akamani was also part of a family deeply connected to academia.
His wife, Betty, worked as a research assistant and was pursuing a PhD in Psychology.
After more than 15 years in the United States, Dr Akamani became a US citizen in 2025.
He was among about 65 new citizens who took part in the naturalisation ceremony, and members of the university community celebrated him.
His journey from Ghana, through Norway and into the American academic system reflected years of education, research and professional achievement.
However, his life has now ended tragically, with his wife, Betty, facing a murder charge in connection with his death.
Betty remains innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
MRA/VPO
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