Ghanaian sports journalist, Fiifi Anaman has decided to quit his doctoral studies at Michigan State University in the United States. He cited mental health concerns and a realisation that he no longer has the passion or capacity for an academic career.

Anaman shared the news in a statement on his LinkedIn page on Sunday. He explained that the discovery of his lack of interest in academia triggered the difficulties he faced, leading him to step away from the programme.

He described the period as tough but said he was trusting God as he prepared to return home and start a new chapter in Ghana.

In the same post, he appealed to his professional contacts for help in finding a well-paying job in sports writing or broadcasting. He thanked those who had supported his short-lived PhD journey and asked them to consider his CV for suitable opportunities.

His announcement drew some criticism on social media, with a few users calling the decision to abandon the programme cowardly. Responding on Facebook on Monday, Anaman questioned why sharing a personal story meant to inspire others was seen as immature. He pointed to the serious challenges he had faced, including multiple stays in mental health facilities and an admission to Accra Psychiatric Hospital on the night of a book launch he had worked on for seven years.

Defending his openness, Anaman expressed disappointment at what he called hypocrisy from some critics. He also highlighted his achievements in sports journalism, noting that he had written three books and won two of the most prestigious awards in the field in Ghana.