Early Academic Pursuits 📚
Charles Boateng Opoku embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in social sciences, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Cape Coast in 2009. His undergraduate project, titled “Effectiveness of Community Development Programmes in Improving the Livelihoods of Rural Dwellers,” underscored his early commitment to understanding and improving local communities’ well-being. His studies not only provided a solid understanding of economics and geography but also fostered his desire to make meaningful contributions to development and economic planning.
Following this, he further honed his expertise by completing an MSc in Development Planning and Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) between 2014 and 2017. His research during this time focused on the vulnerabilities of farm households in Ghana, particularly those affected by socio-economic shocks, in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. This research highlighted his dedication to examining the dynamics of development and resilience in rural contexts, laying the groundwork for his subsequent professional and research endeavors. Currently, Opoku is pursuing a PhD in Planning at KNUST, focusing his research on the determinants of informal land market outcomes, which has significant implications for spatial planning and policy in Ghana.
Professional Endeavors 👔
Charles Opoku’s professional career has been marked by a blend of teaching, research, and fieldwork. Since 2011, he has served as an Economics Tutor at Fiaseman Senior High School in Tarkwa, where he has educated and inspired young students in the Western Region of Ghana. His impact extends into higher education as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s College of Distance Education since 2018. There, he teaches various subjects, including Microeconomics, the Economy of Ghana, and Entrepreneurship, helping students build foundational skills and knowledge for their careers.
Additionally, Opoku has contributed significantly to data collection and analysis in Ghana through his roles with the Ghana Statistical Service. In 2023, he acted as a Center Lead and Regional Trainer for the Integrated Business Establishment Survey. He also held key roles during the 2021 Population and Housing Census, serving as both a Municipal Field Supervisor and National Trainer, where he contributed to the accurate collection of demographic and economic data critical to national planning.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Charles Opoku’s research and professional work have centered on a range of crucial topics, including land use planning, human settlement planning, and development economics. His PhD research on informal land markets in Ghana addresses important aspects of spatial planning, a field of study that is critical for sustainable urban development. Through his thesis, Opoku seeks to provide insights into the often-overlooked informal land market sector and the ways it impacts effective planning, governance, and policy implementation.
He has also conducted research on urban resilience and the vulnerabilities faced by farm households, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of development planning. In his publication “Vulnerability and Responses of Farm Households to Socioeconomic Shocks: Evidence from Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana,” Opoku explored the resilience strategies of rural communities against economic disruptions. His work in the area of rural women’s economic empowerment in Ghana has been particularly influential, with his publication in the Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development examining the impact of the Rural Enterprise Program (REP) on economic self-sufficiency and empowerment in rural areas.
Accolades and Recognition 🏅
Throughout his career, Opoku has earned recognition for his academic achievements and professional dedication. His membership in the Ghana Institute of Planning as a Graduate Trainee signifies his status as an emerging expert in the field. Additionally, he is an active member of Ghana’s Monitoring and Evaluation Forum and the Association of Certified Chartered Economists (ACCE), both of which highlight his commitment to continued professional growth and excellence.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Opoku’s work has had a lasting impact on the communities he serves, especially through his contributions to Ghana’s educational sector and his involvement in national surveys. By educating high school and university students, he helps shape the next generation of economists and planners, fostering a culture of analytical thinking and social responsibility. His role in data collection and research has directly contributed to national projects, including the 2021 Population and Housing Census, where his leadership as a trainer ensured the accuracy and reliability of critical demographic data. This data serves as the basis for policy decisions, resource allocation, and development planning in Ghana, underscoring Opoku’s significant role in shaping his country’s socio-economic landscape.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱
Charles Opoku’s legacy will likely be one of dedicated service to both academia and public policy. His ongoing research in informal land markets aims to inform policy and promote sustainable spatial planning practices, which will benefit urban and rural areas in Ghana. As he completes his PhD, he is well-positioned to become a thought leader in urban and regional planning, contributing to policies that prioritize equitable land use and sustainable development.
Looking to the future, Opoku envisions expanding his research to include broader aspects of urban resilience and green economy strategies. His goal is to support the development of Ghanaian communities that are not only resilient to economic shocks but also environmentally sustainable. As he continues his teaching, research, and contributions to data collection, his work will undoubtedly inspire future economists, planners, and policymakers in Ghana and beyond. Through his multifaceted career, Charles Boateng Opoku exemplifies the impact of thoughtful planning, dedicated teaching, and rigorous research in advancing both community resilience and national development.