Professors Charity Akotia and Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie Donate Authored Books to the Balme Library

Two Professors from the Department of Psychology, Prof. Charity Akotia and Prof. Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie have presented a total of 12 books: 10 copies of ‘Women in Psychology in Ghana’ and two copies of ‘Self-Harm: A Guide to Management’ to the Balme Library.  

Providing a background on her co-authored work, ‘Women in Psychology in Ghana’, which chronicles the contributions of 14 eminent female Psychologists in Ghana, Prof. Akotia noted that the book sheds light on the challenges these women faced, balancing professional ambitions with family commitments.  

The book aims to motivate young women entering the field of Psychology.  

“I am so happy this day has come. Over the years, we have been thinking about what women or female Psychologists in Ghana have done and how they have contributed to the growth of Psychology more generally,” she added 

On his part, Prof. Quarshie explained that his scholarly resource was developed to address self-harm and suicide prevention in low- and middle-income contexts. 

He shared that while monitoring the book’s progress after its launch in June 2023, he was surprised to find that the Balme Library did not have copies, even though several prestigious libraries in the United States, United Kingdom, as well as the University of Botswana had acquired copies.  

He explained that the book emerged from his research on self-harm, a critical risk factor for suicide and his desire to transform his thesis work into a resource that offers practical steps for managing self-harm.  

“This book provides evidence from Africa, Ghana in particular, to inform clinicians, researchers and policymakers, as well as to serve as a self-help guide for those engaged in self-harm behaviors,” he added.  

According to Prof. Quarshie, despite its market value of about $50 per copy on international platforms, he has ensured that a portion of the limited copies would enrich resources at the Balme Library. 

Receiving books, Ag. Librarian, Mr. Samuel Bentil Aggrey, stated that the kind gesture aligns with the University’s fifth Strategic Priority ‘Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship’ as it is intended to enrich academic resources at the Balme Library. 

Mr. Aggrey expressed hope that such contributions will inspire others.