Being part of the RSA community has expanded my global networks and transformed my career

Dr Benedict Arko, Lecturer, Department of Geography Education, Faculty of Social Sciences Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana and the Regional Studies Association Ambassador to Ghana

Benedict’s research is on the intersections of development and economic geography with a particular focus on the spatial dimensions of development in its discourses and materializations from critical perspectives. He teaches courses in economic geography, urban and regional planning among others.

I joined the RSA as a PhD student seeking for a supportive scholarly community to help me chart a path forward on my academic journey. It was through the auspices of the RSA that I got a leading scholar in our sub-discipline to mentor me as part of my PhD supervisory and examination team. This is one thing I would always be grateful to the RSA for. The resources made available to me by the RSA have been phenomenal. These include opportunities to present at RSA organized conferences, publishing in RSA journals and access to research grants among others. The staff at the RSA have always been friendly and very supportive. They really make the RSA a family one loves to be part of. Now, my goal back home in Ghana is to try replicate the RSA network here as a supportive environment in which to grow along with others.

He is the RSA’s Ambassador to Ghana and building a network of researchers in the country.

Benedict has published in the mentored section of the Regional Studies, Regional Science journal about the Ghana’s Decent Work Programme and is a regular presenter and special session organiser at RSA events such as the Regions in Recovery I & II Global Festival.