MOTIVATION LETTER IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR MASTER OF
SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT
As an undergraduate at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi,
I studied BSc. Human Settlement Planning which included multiple courses about the
environment and geography. My coursework consisted of a rigorous mix of environmentaloriented curriculum, including Geography for Planners, Environment and Development,
Environmental Management amongst others. These courses have given me a strong basis of
essential skills and knowledge needed to take this on a master’s level. My course work in
Human Settlement Planning has given me a background in environmental science,
environmental geology, earth surface processes, and geological catastrophes. My goal is to
apply my knowledge of these fields in order to aid in the promotion of more environmentally
friendly settlements. I firmly believe that the University of Twente will help me further
develop these skills.
My motivation to pursue a graduate study in Environmental and Energy Management is
rooted in my desire to make meaningful contributions aimed at shaping environmental,
spatial and development patterns in Ghana by acquiring the requisite expertise, analytical
skills and experience to formulate, implement and guide policy frameworks. Additionally,
having the opportunity to study in another country in a development-oriented course provides
the needed exposure to closely learn from international professionals and practices as a way
of understanding the interplay between the environment and socio- economic development.
The multi-disciplinary nature of my undergraduate degree programme fuelled my ambition to
cause change in my country by providing a platform to formulate strategic design and
implementation of plans and policies that can address present-day development and
management challenges. As a step in addressing settlement planning and management
challenges in developing countries, I undertook an independent research on “ASSESSING
THE EFFECTS OF PLANNING AND EXPANSION ON FORESTRY AND GREENERY
(CASE STUDY OF KNUST AND KUMASI)”a case study that sought to curb the negative
impact of urbanization and physical development in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. The
study produced concrete, reliable, practical findings and recommendations that can be
adopted by local authorities, developers and other relevant agencies in tackling urbanenvironmental challenges. Again, the study also sharpened my research skills which can
serve as milestone for my graduate studies. My academic prowess and ethical aptitude, also
warranted my appointment as a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Centre for Settlement
Studies, KNUST upon graduation.
Majority of my professional career has been in Kumasi, Ghana, the second largest city in the
developing country with a fast paced economy. My work at the Centre for Settlement Studies
(CSS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) involved
research into flood resilience in the Ashanti Region in order to the strengthen the region’s
defenses against flooding in the various flood prone areas . This research focused on
participatory planning, in order to engage the members of the various flood prone
communities in methods of flood resilience. This exposed me to the political and bureaucratic
challenges that accompany decentralization in the country. The more often than not negative
effects of international and domestic agencies contradictory and overlapping governance
interventions also highlighted the urgent need for strengthened coordination at all levels of
governance. My experience as a research assistant at the Centre for Settlement Studies
facilitating research into these communities provided me with concrete examples of the
advantages of a more coherent approach to community and urban planning that builds on a
shared understanding of objectives, and highlighted the unique role of each shareholder.
My varied experience has provided me with the opportunity to be involved in all the phases
of community, urban and corporate planning, from the proposal to the monitoring and
evaluation stages. I helped organized a one week workshop for the Network of Excellence on
Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) at the Centre for Settlement Studies to discuss and find
solutions to the ever exacerbating land issues in Ghana. I managed and coordinated work
schedules for up to 6 employees, edited and revised many articles and research papers for
local and international publishing as well as assisted in the development of MSc. and PhD.
courses in Disaster Prevention Management. I am very fluent in English and the local Twi
language as well as a general understanding of French. I am very comfortable in working in
group settings and I have extensive knowledge in history and world affairs.
My ultimate ambition is to promote the growth of developing countries through groundbreaking ideas and best management that takes advantage of dynamism and technological
advancements with respect to internationally accepted practices for positive impacts on the
environment as well. I will particularly like to contribute to the preparation and
implementation of environmental development frameworks and plans that address issues of
spatial and environmental imbalance, regional inequalities and other associated problems of
poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation. This is directed towards propelling
spatial and socio-economic development in my home country and across the African
continent. It is also my long term aspiration to pursue a doctorate and subsequently serve as a
university lecturer in the pursuit of developing potentials, talents and skills of others –
especially young minds that can take up the task in the future generation.
Moreover, the University of Twente is known worldwide as a pioneer of excellence for its
role in developing professionals through teaching and research. I believe the academic
reputation and outstanding facilities of the university makes it my choice for graduate studies
in line with my personal and career development goals as well as provide opportunities to
learn from leading experts to guide my professional studies and researches. This will
subsequently increase my capacity to make meaningful contributions to the society for
sustained socio-economic growth and development. If given the opportunity, I will approach
the programme with an intense, but open mind, with readiness to acquire knowledge and
skills that could be relevant for socio-economic development and environmental
sustainability.